by Oregon Public Broadcasting
Seven environmental groups are trying to stop Washington state officials from killing as many as four wolves. The groups have sent a letter to the state¹s Fish and Wildlife director arguing the killings would violate Washington¹s Wolf Management Plan.
State officials announced a week ago they would send agents into the field to kill up to four wolves. The Wildlife division¹s manager says the Wedge pack is likely responsible for eight cattle that were injured or killed in northeast Washington this year. Conservationists including Greg Costello of the Western Environmental Law Center say the state lacks clear evidence that some of the incidents involved wolves.
“What we understand the case to be here is that that evidence does not exist, that the state has called in two outside experts with much more experience in making these determinations. And both of those experts have concluded that the evidence does not meet that standard,” he said.
Costello says the environmental groups could sue to stop the state¹s effort, but are trying to avoid that.
State officials are also attempting to radio-collar a member of the Wedge pack, in northeast Washington.