WDFW Deputy Director Approved Lethal Removal of Sherman Pack Wolf
October 15, 2025
By:
Staff Report
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) deputy director Amy Windrope, delegated to make wolf management decisions while WDFW Director Kelly Susewind is out of office, has authorized the lethal removal of one wolf from the Sherman wolf pack territory in Ferry County, in response to repeated livestock depredations. This authorization expires on Oct. 15.
According to WDFW, Windrope’s decision is consistent with the guidance of the state's Wolf Conservation and Management Plan and the lethal removal provisions of the department's 2020 Wolf-Livestock Interaction Protocol. WDFW officials stated that the rationale for authorizing lethal removal of one Sherman pack wolf is as follows:
WDFW investigated two injured calves with confirmed depredation by wolves from this pack on Sept. 28 and Oct. 1. These two recent events resulted in a total of six depredation events within the last 10 months affecting seven livestock.
Following the lethal removal of one wolf from the Sherman pack territory in August, the depredating behavior of the pack did not change.
There would be continued overlap between the cattle and Sherman pack wolves through November, with some likelihood of conflict.
Lethal removal of one wolf from the Sherman pack will not jeopardize wolf recovery in the eastern Washington recovery zone or statewide.
WDFW officials stated that the affected livestock producer reported proactive nonlethal deterrents including near-daily range riding and human presence by the producer and ranch assistants; calving away from known wolf activity centers; removal or treatment of sick or injured livestock from pastures in areas where wolves are present ; and delayed turnout until calving is finished and calves weigh 200 pounds or more.
WDFW reported that the producer was removing livestock carcasses when feasible on Sept. 30. The agency also noted concerns about inconsistencies in carcass sanitation and whether it should be considered an acceptable nonlethal deterrent in this scenario.
Given the reported human presence and range riding efforts, WDFW staff said they do not believe there are any additional reactive non-lethal deterrents appropriate for this situation.
WDFW officials said they will provide a final report on this and any other lethal removal actions during 2025 in the Washington Gray Wolf Conservation and Management 2025 Annual Report, due out in the spring of 2026.