Commissioners: Wolves declared public nuisance

DAYTON–Livestock depredation by reintroduced wolf packs has prompted the Columbia County Commissioners to adopt a resolution declaring wolves a public nuisance. The Commission took action at its January 6 meeting.

Commission Chairman Jack Miller said Columbia County is in concert with commissioners in Garfield County, who had previously issued the same decree.

Gray wolves have been classified as endangered in all or part of Washington, according to the Department of Fish and Wildlife. There are protocols established for the WDFW to collaborate with livestock producers to minimize conflicts with wolves, according to the 2023 Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Annual Report.

There are now 260 wolves ranging across Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Asotin, Garfield, Columbia and Walla Walla counties. Populations are increasing in the Northern Cascades.

In 2023, WDFW paid $28,594 for livestock losses.