Wolf census finds more packs, breeding pairs

摘要

The number of gray wolves in Washington state kept growing last year and for the first time the state documented a pack living west of the Cascade Range, wildlife officials said yesterday. The state has a minimum of 126 wolves in 27 packs with 15 successful breeding pairs, defined as male and female adults that have raised at least two pups that survived through the end of the year, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife found in its annual wolf census. A year ago, there were 122 wolves in 22 packs with 14 breeding pairs. The pack west of the Cascade Range, in Skagit County, consists of a single male wolf, captured in 2016 and released with a radio collar, that has been traveling with a female wolf through the winter. Biologists named the pack Diobsud Creek. "We're pleased to see our state's wolf population continue to grow and begin to expand to the west side of the Cascades," agency Director Kelly Susewind said. "We will continue to work with the public to chart the future management of this important native species." Wolves were nearly wiped out in Washington by the 1930s but started returning to the state from surrounding areas early this century. The animals have preyed on livestock, causing conflicts with ranchers.