Board would look for nonlethal ways to control wolves in northeastern Washington

OLYMPIA – Washington would look for nonlethal ways to keep wolves from killing livestock in four northeast counties under a bill the House passed unanimously Monday.

The state would set up a special advisory board, and a Wolf-Cattle Management Grant, to deal with the growing wolf populations in Okanogan, Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille counties that have prompted calls for wiping out packs that have attacked cattle and other livestock. The object, Rep. Joel Kretz, R-Wauconda, is “less wolves killed and less cattle killed.”

The bill now goes to the Senate.