OLYMPIA, WA – A measure which would provide more flexibility for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to collaborate with local governments in managing gray wolves was the topic of a hearing this morning in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. According to data, of the 33 active wolf packs in Washington State, 22 of them reside in northeast Washington, or approximately 67% of the total pack population.
House Bill 1698 would basically give local governments more control over tracking, moving, and killing gray wolves.
One of those speaking in favor of the measure was Stevens County Sheriff Brad Manke.
There was opposition to the proposed bill as well. Wolf Biologist Dr. Zoe Hanley spoke on behalf of Defenders of Wildlife.
The gray wolf (Canis lupus), a native Washington species, was nearly eradicated from the state in the early 1900s. Wolves have been returning to the state on their own, dispersing from populations in nearby states and provinces – wolves were never reintroduced to Washington.
Watch Hearing:
Stevens County Sheriff Brad Manke
Dr. Zoe Hanley
