'Endangered' status to remain in effect for WA wolves

A sharply-divided state panel on Friday retained strict protections for gray wolves in Washington, concluding their status under the state’s endangered species law should not change despite signs of a growing population.

In a pair of 5-4 votes, the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission rejected downlisting wolves from “endangered” to either “threatened” or “sensitive,” moves that would have led to lower penalties for poaching and slightly easier access to permits to kill wolves that attack livestock.

Friday’s debate, the latest in the decadeslong fight on how to manage wolves in Washington, centered on the extent to which gray wolves are increasing in population and recovering as a species in the state.

Department of Fish and Wildlife staff recommended wolves be downlisted to “sensitive” more than a year ago as part of a process known as periodic status review. They pointed to a rising number of wolves. Last year’s annual wolf report found their population had reached an estimated 260 in the state – up about 20% over 2022 and the 15th consecutive year of growth.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2024/07/19/endangered-status-to-remain-in-effect-for-wa-wolves/