× By Lynda V. Mapes, The Seattle Times
Published: June 6, 2021, 6:02am
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3 Photos Out in the open, WDFW biologst Ben Maletzke listenS for the beeps from radio collars attached to wolfs in the Teanaway Pack, on Tuesday, January 26, 2021. (Steve Ringman/The Seattle Times/TNS) Photo Gallery
SEATTLE They walked in on their own: the first wolves in more than 100 years known to call Washington state home, after this native species was nearly wiped out by hunting, trapping and government extermination campaigns.
Today, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife kills wolves only when they have repeatedly killed cattle, a relatively rare event, with about 80% of Washington wolf packs typically staying out of trouble with people.
Wolf recovery has been a flashpoint for environmentalists, ranchers and politicians on all sides of the issue. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has taken a personal interest in wolf recovery in the state, most recently overruling the Fish and Wildlife Commission to require that the department initiate a formal rule-making process to guide lethal removals of wolves when they kill livestock.