Wolves, Shootings, and State Rules | Spokane News

A wolf kill order in Washington hit a twist when an uncollared male was found dead—likely from an illegal shooting—before the official plan even kicked in. Officials then proceeded to kill a second wolf under the existing order, sparking debate over whether it was too soon. Critics argue the first death may have been enough to deter further attacks, while state officials say they followed protocol. Meanwhile, the state is revising rules on when ranchers can legally shoot wolves, especially in the eastern third of the state, where gray wolves remain protected. The key controversy? The term “agent” in the current law, which allows anyone acting on behalf of the owner to kill a wolf—without clear definition or accountability. Conservationists fear abuse, while ranchers want swift action. The advisory group is still hashing out the details, and the final rule remains undecided. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/294b049f44a43717