I am saddened to have to discuss the poaching of two wolves in Washington State.  I suspected that it might take place but am surprised that it happened so quickly.  Poachers have killed at least one member of the new pack that has taken up residence in Washington State.  The Lookout Pack, which was recognized as a viable wolf pack in Washington, just colonized here last summer (08/08), and is the first pack to live in Washington since the 1930's.  Two of the pack members have disappeared; one was investigated by wildlife officials when a bloody wolf hide was discovered in a FedEx box.  The poachers were identified as ranchers in the Twisp area of Washington.  One was an outspoken adversary of wolf introduction into the state.  The Lookout Pack was not reintroduced into the state, but found their way here looking for habitat that supported a prey base.  While Washington State does not offer an abundance of wolf habitat, it does offer some select areas where wolves could colonize.  We are not aware of any charges being filed at this time; however, the killing of an endangered animal can bring a fine of up to $100,000 and a year in prison. We, in the wolf conservation community, hope to see charges brought soon in this obvious violation of the Endangered Species Act.  You will see a letter, attached to the web page, which we sent to Governor Gregoire asking her to become involved in the issue

There is much news about this poaching incident.   When man came along and put a price on their head, wolves were virtually eliminated throughout the lower 48 states.  This incident reminds us that, we at Wolf Haven have much work ahead of us in the field of wolf conservation and education.  Wolves are one the highest predators in an ecosystem.  The others are mountain lions and bears.  Wolves serve to provide balance ungulate populations of moose, elk and deer in a habitat, thereby keeping equilibrium. 

Unfortunately, wolves get a bad rap!!  Yes, wolves do predate on livestock and pets.  Wolves are opportunists; they don't feed often in the wild, maybe only once every week to ten days.  In the case of the Lookout Pack, there has been no reported incidence of predation on livestock from this pack.  Maybe they know to be on their best behavior?  The sad part of the poaching issue is that the wolf that was killed was caught in a leg hold trap and shot. 

For those of you, who feel strongly that this poaching incident should be prosecuted, please contact your state and federal representatives about prosecuting this case.  To read our letter to Governor Christine Gregoire, click here.

Contact Information:

Senator Maria Cantwell

http://cantwell.senate.gov/contact/

WASHINGTON, DC
511 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Senator Patty Murray

http://murray.senate.gov/email/index.cfm

Washington, D.C. Office
 173 Russell Senate Bldg.
 Washington, D.C. 20510

Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rogers (district where poaching occurred)

http://mcmorris.house.gov/?sectionid=4&sectiontree=4

Washington, D.C. Office
1323 Longworth House Office Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20515

Governor Chris Gregoire

www.governor.wa.gov/contact

Office of the Governor
PO Box 40002
Olympia, WA 98504-0002