Washington Studying Wolf Predation On Deer And Elk

Washington Fish and Wildlife and the University of Washington have launched a multiyear study into how rapid growth in the state’s wolf population may be impacting other wildlife.

The study will focus on deer and elk in northeast Washington where wolves are most numerous. The state confirmed 19 packs with at least 90 wolves last June—up from a single pack with five wolves in 2008. Authorities believe wolves dispersed into Washington from neighboring Idaho, where they were reintroduced in the 1990s.

“Experience in other western states shows that wolves … may affect the size and behavior of deer and elk herds,” a release quoted Eric Gardner, head of the state wildlife program. “We want to take a closer look at the situation here in Washington State as our own wolf population continues to grow.”

The study will also look at how cougars and other native predators are adapting to the wolves.

In January, field researchers and biologists began live-trapping wild deer, elk and cougars and fitting them with radio tracking collars. The goal is to keep 65 white-tailed deer, 50 elk and 10 cougars collared in a study area that includes Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille counties. In addition, researchers plan to collar 100 mule deer and 10 cougars in Okanogan County. Some wolves are already radio-collared in both areas, and researchers want to maintain collars on at least two wolves in each pack.

Hunters who take a collared animal or anyone who finds a dead animal with a collar are asked to immediately report it to state wildlife authorities.

WY Wolf Plan Vindicated

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals has ruled that Wyoming’s wolf management plan meets the requirements for removing the animals from the endangered species list and turning management over to the state.