Washington Maintains Endangered Status for Gray Wolves

The Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission, in a close vote, decided to maintain the endangered status for gray wolves in Washington, rejecting downgrading them to threatened or sensitive despite a growing population. This decision follows a recommendation by the Department of Fish and Wildlife staff based on increasing wolf numbers. The debate highlighted concerns about the accuracy of population data and its implications on long-term recovery efforts. The Commission plans to continue managing wolves with a focus on reducing conflicts with livestock and achieving recovery objectives. Efforts to reclassify wolves were met with delays and criticism for not considering scientific evidence, as stakeholders push for accurate and data-driven decision-making.