In brief: Tucannon breeding female wolf dies after collaring

WILDLIFE – A breeding female wolf died five days after being trapped and fitted with a GPS collar so wildlife managers could follow the livestock-attacking Tucannon Pack.

The death in southeastern Washington is likely related to the capture and release, and the female likely had pups, state Fish and Wildlife officials say.

Injecting tranquilizers into wildlife for research is a risk wildlife managers take with as many safeguards as possible, said Donny Martorello, the agency’s wolf program manager.

Other wolves in the pack are likely to take care of any pups the female may have produced, he said.

In other wolf news, an off-leash dog with a pair of horseback riders in the Methow Valley ran after a wolf the couple encountered last month only to have the wolf counter attack and bite the dog.

Bike shuttle debuts at Glacier

CYCLING – A new early season shuttle bus service for bicycle riders on the Going-to-the-Sun Road through Glacier National Park debuted on Saturday.

The free service will operate seven days a week through June 26, or when the scenic road over Logan Pass opens to vehicles, whichever comes first.

Buses will run roughly every half hour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WDNR firewise program set

PREVENTION – A free Firewise Communities Workshop will be offered on May 17-18 in Spokane by the Washington Department of Natural Resources, Spokane County Conservation District and Washington State University Extension.

The sessions will offer advice on how to adapt to living with wildfire and help neighbors to work together and take action to reduce fire danger and prevent losses.

Register at (509) 477-2175 or email steven.mcconnell@wsu.edu.