Wildlife biologists plan to trap and radio-collar animals in all five of the state’s known wolf packs after a calf was likely killed by wolves in the Methow Valley.
By K.C. Mehaffey
The Wenatchee World
CARLTON, Okanogan County — The state has sped up plans to put radio collars on wolves in the Methow Valley after confirming last month that the pack likely killed a calf — the first such case in the state to qualify for compensation.
Scott Becker, a biologist now stationed in Wenatchee and hired to work with wolves, will begin efforts to trap the two known members of the Lookout Pack next week, said Wildlife’s Eastern Region Director Steve Pozzanghera.
It’s the state’s first confirmed wolf pack in 70 years, and it now is deemed the first pack to have probably killed livestock in a May 19 attack on the Thurlow cattle ranch near Carlton.
The Thurlows qualify for compensation under the state’s wolf recovery plan, up to $1,500 depending on the calf’s market value.
Bernard Thurlow said he believes two other calves were injured by the wolf the same day. He brought them home and nursed them back to health but will receive no compensation for them.
Pozzanghera said there will be an attempt to trap and put radio collars on animals from all five known packs in the state. That will allow biologists to follow the packs’ movements and track breeding.
The wolves — including those trapped in the Methow Valley — will be released in the same location as captured, Pozzanghera said.