Fish and Wildlife Shoots Flawed Wolf, Extra Assaults Confirmed

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — Wolves from two packs in northeast Washington state have attacked extra cattle, prompting the Department of Fish and Wildlife to think about whether or not to once more attempt culling the Smackout pack after a botched try final month.

Fish and Wildlife officers confirmed Thursday that the Smackout pack wounded a calf in a non-public Stevens County pasture, the Capital Press reported. Officials stated the pack additionally injured a calf Monday and doubtless attacked one other on Sept. 26.

The pack has attacked no less than 11 head of cattle since Aug. 17, in line with Fish and Wildlife’s depend.

State biologists tried to kill one wolf from that pack in early September, however from a helicopter by accident shot a pup that most likely belonged to a different pack, officers stated.

The pup was close to a collared wolf from the Smackout pack, in line with Fish and Wildlife.

Agency spokeswoman Staci Lehman stated the state is figuring out whether or not to attempt once more.

Two members of the Leadpoint wolf pack had been killed by state biologists final week in an effort to cease the pack from preying on cattle in the identical county, officers stated beforehand.

As of Dec. 31, 2021, the division stated 206 wolves in 33 packs lived in Washington. The numbers grew from 2020, when 178 wolves in 29 packs had been counted.

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