This is the eleventh year in which the wolf population has risen in Washington state. It is reported that in the last year, the population grew by 11%, but officials believe that number is much higher. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) have counted 108 wolves in 21 packs. Last year, 97 wolves in 22 packs were present.
Effects of Rising Wolf Population
But, according to WDFW Director Kelly Susewind, the increase in wolf populations has not been all positive. For instance, there are more instances of livestock death and injury. Ranchers are being encouraged now more than ever, to ensure they take extra measures to protect their livestock.
Protection Measures
WDFW wolf policy lead Donny Martorello is confident in their ability to use non-lethal deterrence. Last year, lethal removal of wolves were at almost an all-time high. The use of non-lethal deterrence will allegedly bridge the gap between protection from wolves, and the killing of wolves.
Wolf Population Expectations
So far, at least 10 out of the current 21 packs are breeding successfully. It is more than likely that the population will continue to grow, but officials believe it will start to level off soon. According to wolf specialist, Ben Maletzke, “as the wolf population recovers, we’ll see population growth slow in parts of the state where the local population is nearing capacity. It’s a natural occurrence that happens in many wildlife populations and is even more extreme in a territorial carnivore.”
Gray wolves were basically extinct in Washington back in the 1930’s. They have long been on the Endangered Species Act, and protected under the Endangered Species Act. Washington is not the only state seeing increases in wolf populations, as wolf advocacy efforts are making progress. However, the increase in wolves doesn’t come without negative consequences. Wolves have a huge impact on wildlife populations and livestock.
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