Washington wolf pack attacks cattle; one wolf shot

Published 3:00 pm Friday, July 12, 2024

By DON JENKINS
Capital Press

Wolves are seen in this file photo. State officials have confirmed that a wolf or wolves are responsible for an attack in the Swamp Creek area north of Enterprise that killed two ewes. It's the ninth investigation into livestock predation this year in Wallowa County.  

The Couse wolf pack in southeast Washington has attacked two calves and one cow and probably attacked another cow, pushing the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to consider killing one or two wolves.

An adult male in the pack in Asotin County was killed July 8 while reportedly chasing livestock. The department is investigating. Under the state’s caught-in-the-act law, ranchers can shoot wolves threatening livestock.

The pack has a history of attacking cattle. Fish and Wildlife lethally removed an adult male and yearling female from the pack last August. That was the last time the department removed wolves.

The pack’s attacks on cattle resumed in June. Fish and Wildlife investigators confirmed June 27 wolves injured a steer. On July 6, the department determined wolves killed another steer.

Fish and Wildlife considers resorting to lethal control after three attacks in 30 days. The pack crossed the line July 8. The department concluded the pack injured one cow and probably injured another cow.

The department typically kills one or two wolves and pauses to see whether the attacks stop.

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