WDFW describes recent depredations, collaring and lethal removals in Stevens and Tucannon areas

WDFW staff summarized field responses to two recent depredation clusters and explained why investigators used a mix of trail cameras, trapping and, in one episode, aerial removal.

Shubh Bhattacharjee told WAG that in Northern Stevens County the agency received reports of three depredations across territory overlapping three packs. "We trapped 1 wolf before our authorization came from the director," he said, and that collared individual’s movements later tied the depredations to the Onion Creek pack. Department staff emphasized the investigation used multiple data sources—trail cams, photos and collar telemetry—to verify pack attribution.

In the Tucannon incidents, Shubh said there were "6 probable and 3 confirmed incidents" and that after initial ground operations and the discovery of a dead (poached) wolf, staff shifted to aerial operations and removed an additional wolf after authorization. Members asked why staff shifted to aerial removal and whether nonlethal options—such as spank-and-release or intensified hazing—had been considered; Trent Rezine and other biologists explained that dispersed, non‑localized depredations with multiple individuals involved reduce the likely effectiveness of spank‑and‑release tactics.

WDFW said the agency will prioritize collaring in historical conflict areas and that collaring resources have declined in some regions over time; members urged more collaring and use of nonlethal pilots where feasible. WDFW also encouraged improved reporting of depredations by producers and the public so investigations can proceed quickly.