As wolf sightings increase, Washington's DFW is hoping to prevent conflict by engaging the public in developing a strategy for managing this controversial species.
The grey wolf (Canis lupus) is making its way back into Washington state, having been sighted in the Cascade and Selkirk mountain ranges. Given the controversy that surrounds this species, state officials are wisely getting input from residents as they develop a management plan.
In addition to the public comment period, an eighteen member working group will be aiding the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) in deciding how to proceed as wolf numbers increase.
By taking these steps now, it may be possible to avoid the problems faced by states where the wolf was introduced under federal mandate. In those states some resentment remains because it was felt that the wolves were forced on them.
Issues that the DFW will be addressing include how to deal with wolves and livestock, wolves and wild game, human-animal interaction and population objectives.
Perhaps in this case, a sound, reasoned management plan can be developed that Washington residents, and their wolf neighbors, can live with.
