Washington Considered More Lethal Removal of Couse Pack
The state fish and wildlife agency weighs further action after a recent calf depredation in Asotin County.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Hunting
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The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is evaluating the lethal removal of more Couse wolf pack members following a confirmed calf attack. This incident marks the second livestock depredation attributed to the pack within the last month.
Why it matters
Agency officials are responding to repeated attacks on livestock that have persisted despite the use of nonlethal deterrents like range riding. The department seeks to balance wolf management with the protection of local agricultural operations.
Officials confirmed two depredations over the last 30 days, contributing to a total of seven incidents within the last 10 months. WDFW previously lethally removed an adult male wolf on Sept. 17.
The players
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
This state agency is responsible for managing fish and wildlife resources and regulating hunting and conservation efforts across Washington.
The details
WDFW staff investigated injuries to a calf on Sept. 23, concluding that the trauma was consistent with wolf depredation. Livestock producers in the area have implemented various nonlethal management strategies, including grazing area adjustments, to mitigate risks.
Timeline
Sept. 17, 2026: WDFW removed an adult male wolf.
Sept. 23, 2026: WDFW investigated reported calf injuries.
Within the next few days: Recommendation provided to WDFW director.
Roadmap
The agency manages predator-prey dynamics by adhering to the Washington Wolf-Livestock Interaction Protocol to address ongoing conflicts. This approach dictates the criteria for lethal intervention when nonlethal measures fail to prevent repeated livestock losses.
Livestock producers in Asotin County should continue monitoring herds and maintaining nonlethal deterrents as the state evaluates further pack removal. Residents in the region may see increased agency activity while officials assess wolf pack behavior.
The takeaway
Producers operating in wolf territory must maintain rigorous nonlethal deterrents to qualify for state management interventions. Ongoing coordination with local wildlife officials remains the primary path for addressing livestock losses in Southeast Washington.
What happens next
A recommendation regarding the potential lethal removal of additional Couse pack members is expected to be delivered to the WDFW director within the next few days.
Further reading
For more information on state management practices, visit the Hunting section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dailyfly News.
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