State’s 7th pack confirmed near Spokane By KATHERINE WUTZ Express Staff Writer
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife reported last week
that the state's seventh wolf pack has been confirmed, near the Spokane
Indian Reservation.
Biologists used remote video cameras to document at least five gray
wolf pups in southern Stevens County, near Huckleberry Mountain.
An additional six packs are suspected to exist in the state.
The agency also investigated a reported wolf attack on domestic
sheep in northwestern Spokane County. A news release from the agency
said officials are working with the rancher on compensation for the lost
sheep.
Washington's management plan, adopted in December, states that
ranchers can be compensated for the full market value of lost animals
that are confirmed wolf kills.
Wolves are currently listed by the state as endangered, and have
federal protections throughout the western two-thirds of the state.
The species can be delisted by the state if 15 successful breeding
pairs are confirmed in three defined areas of the state for three years.
The state can also delist wolves if a total of 18 successful breeding
pairs are confirmed in those areas at any point in time.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Regional Director Steve
Pozzanghera said officials continue to monitor known wolf packs and look
for new ones throughout the state.
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