Quick Links

Stay Connected

Who are the Huckleberry pack?    

This is a family of wolves living in northeastern Washington State that has produced several pups. Over the last 6-7 years, the breeding male and female and their offspring have co-existed in an area where small hobby farms and livestock dot the landscape - without known conflict. The Huckleberry pack is one of the most vibrant and successful wolf packs in WA state, and should be nurtured and protected,  particularly as an endangered species in the early days of recovery.

Leased land where sheep were grazed

Instead, 1800 sheep were moved into the pack's known territory on leased private timber property, resulting in the needless deaths of several sheep and one (so far) endangered wolf (a female wolf was shot and killed under orders from WA Department of Fish and Wildlife).

 

What went wrong?

 

This pack should have been set up for success. In 2013, a courageous group of bipartisan legislators brokered a deal that fully funded the WA Wolf Plan that guides recovery and provides a plethora of tools for preventing conflict. As a result, taxpayer dollars are supporting research through Washington State University on the use of nonlethal tools for reducing potential conflict and to help defray costs for livestock producers.  We want to know why these tools were not immediately and effectively used by the operator and WDFW, resulting in the deaths and suffering of wolves and livestock. Sheep are so vulnerable; why wasn't WDFW more prepared to respond to this predictable conflict? 

 

What Can Be Done?

Rest assured that Wolf Haven is working hard behind the scenes with Governor Inslee's staff, legislators, WDFW and several conservation organizations to shine a spotlight on the facts that led to the recent killing of the Huckleberry Pack female in Washington State.  We will be working for deep and systemic changes in our system of wildlife management to insure that it reflects the wishes of the vast majority of Washington State residents. 

 

Mexican wolf
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service held two public hearings in August providing an opportunity for individuals to comment on the proposed rule change to the wolf recovery plan. Wolf Haven's executive director, Diane Gallegos, testified in Arizona, and the wolf sanctuary's director of animal care, Wendy Spencer, testified in New Mexico. While many views were represented, wolf proponent comments outweighed wolf opponents' comments by two to one. The public comment period ends on September 23. (Search for FWS-R2-ES-2013-0056, which is the docket number for this rule-making and click on "Comment Now!")

Red wolf
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering whether or not to continue the red wolf recovery program. This unique population of wild red wolves is found ONLY in the U.S. in N. Carolina. 

Please send your comments on the proposal to: [email protected].  Public comments are accepted through Sept. 12. In addition, there is a red wolf survey you can complete and two public meetings/hearings  are scheduled. Our director of animal care, Wendy Spencer, will be testifying at the meetings.

While they were in New Mexico, Diane & Wendy were fortunate to participate in several catch-ups of Mexican wolves at Sevilleta, New Mexico. One of the wolves, F1222, (otherwise known as Hopa) was prepared for transport to Wolf Haven. She is a three year old female, born at the Endangered Wolf Center, transferred to Sevilleta and now to Wolf Haven. We are pleased to report that F1222 is in a pre-release enclosure with male Mexican wolf M1067 and the two are settling in nicely together.

• Wolf Haven's annual fall fundraiser, Wolves & Wine, takes place on Sept. 27.  CLICK HERE for information on purchasing tickets
• National Resources Defense Council & Conservation Northwest have scheduled a free showing of the film "Wild Things" in Seattle, WA on September 9. The subject is the federal war on native carnivores in the U.S.