Six wolves in Washington state were poisoned concluded state wildlife officials after an investigation into wolf deaths in Stevens County. Four members of the Wedge Pack were discovered in February and two more located a month later. Toxicology tests confirm that the pack members died from ingesting poison, most probably from tainted bait. Conservation groups are offering a $51,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the perpetrator. So far, substantial rewards have not led to the conviction of those responsible for illegal wolf killings in the northwest. A conservationists commented to the press, "We need to find solutions to allow wolves to inhabit this wild country without constant death threats hanging over their heads." Killing a protected wolf is punishable by a $5,000 fine and up to one year in jail in Washington.
[photo credit: AP]Parts of eastern Washington and the Cascade Range are prime wolf habitat. Biologists estimate a statewide population of 206 wolves in 33 packs in 2021. In Oregon leight wolves were found poisoned to death ast year . Those crimes remain unsolved despite the offering of rewards. State officials must up the deterrence and make wolf killing a felony criminal offense.
