Gray Wolves remain endangered

OLYMPIA — Gray wolves will stay listed as endangered in Washington following a tight 5-4 vote by the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Despite a significant increase in the gray wolf population over the past 15 years, with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) reporting at least 260 wolves in 42 packs, the decision was made to retain their endangered status.

The Commission’s virtual meeting on Friday, July 19 also covered changes to cougar hunting regulations.

New rules set the cougar hunting season from September 1 to March 31, with a 13 percent cap on each popula...