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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Farmer being investigated for shooting gray wolf in Whitman County

A farmer is being investigated in the shooting of an endangered gray wolf in Whitman County on Sunday.

The wolf was shot southwest of Pullman, said Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife officers who responded to the scene after receiving tips.

“They determined that the wolf had been shot by a farmer who had pursued the animal for several miles in his vehicle after seeing it near his farm,” said Nate Pamplin, the agency’s wildlife program director.

Wolves are protected by state endangered species regulations.

The shooting occurred west of U.S. Highway 195 on the opening weekend of the state’s general deer hunting season. 

“The shooting does not appear to have been associated with a defense-of-life action,” Pamplin said.

And the shooting did not appear “to take place under the statutory authority to shoot and kill a wolf that is caught in the act of attacking livestock in the Eastern Washington recovery zone,” he added. 

Scattered wolf sightings have been reported in Whitman County for years and wolf tracks were confirmed near Rock Lake in November 2013.

Pamplin said he was not aware of any problems with wolves and livestock or pets in the area in 2014. None was confirmed in previous years.

The case is being handled by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife police.

“Once the investigation is complete, the case will be sent to the Whitman County Prosecutor’s office,” Pamplin said.