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Gray Wolf - Canis lupus
Photo by Gary Kramer, USFWS
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Gray
Wolf
The gray wolf is an endangered species throughout Washington under state law, and under federal law in the western two-thirds of the state. Historically, wolves were found throughout most or all of Washington. They were extirpated (removed) from Washington by the 1930’s through human persecution, with the exception of a few individuals dispersing periodically into the state since then.
In recent years, wolf populations have re-established in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming through ongoing wolf-recovery programs. As wolves in these states increase in numbers and expand their range, they will be dispersing into Washington and establishing breeding populations here. Washington's first fully confirmed wolf pack in many years was discovered in Okanogan County in July 2008.
In response to the eventual return of wolves and the state management responsibility following federal delisting, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) began developing a conservation and management plan for the species in 2006. WDFW Director Jeff Koenings appointed 18 citizens with a broad range of perspectives to a Wolf Working Group to advise WDFW in developing the plan. The working group provides input to WDFW on key elements of the plan and will review its content.
The working group and WDFW staff met eight times during 2007 and 2008 (see Meetings) and public scoping meetings were held throughout the state in August 2007. WDFW finalized a draft plan in summer 2008 that underwent scientific peer review. Comments from this review are currently being added into the plan. A 90-day public-review period is anticipated by late summer/early fall 2009 and will include public meetings throughout the state, followed by a final working group meeting to complete the plan. The final plan will be presented to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission for consideration in late 2009 or early 2010.
State law (WAC 232-12-297) requires conservation of listed species through preparation of recovery or management plans, which direct WDFW to address the threats to listed species. The Washington Wolf Conservation and Management Plan is being developed to ensure a self-sustaining population of gray wolves in the state and to address potential conflicts.
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