$20,000 Reward Offered as Poachers Kill 22 Wolves in Washington’s Protected Zones

Govind Tekale

Conservation groups offer $20,000 reward for leads on three wolf killings in Washington's protected zones.

Photo Source: USFWS/Southeast (CC BY 2.0)

A wounded male wolf suffered slow death near Klickitat River, dragging itself to water with paralyzed back legs after being shot.

Photo Source:  Lori Iverson / USFWS (CC BY 2.0)

Female gray wolf's body discovered near Twisp adds to series of illegal killings across protected territories.

Photo Source: Picryl (PDM 1.0)

Last surviving member of Big Muddy Pack found dead near Trout Lake, dealing devastating blow to local wolf population.

Photo Source: TALAYAVA (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Since 2022, poachers have claimed lives of 22 known wolves, with experts suggesting actual toll could be double due to undiscovered cases.

Photo Source: patrice schoefolt (pexels)

Federal protection under Endangered Species Act carries hefty $50,000 fine and prison time for convicted wolf killers.

Photo Source: Malvara (CC BY 4.0)

Washington state authorities maintain anonymous tip lines as joint federal-state investigation intensifies across Klickitat and Okanogan counties.

Photo Source: Foll4myCanon (CC BY 2.0)

Scientific research reveals disturbing pattern: for every discovered wolf killing, one to two more remain hidden in Washington's wilderness.

Photo Source: Snurre86 (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Five wolves fell victim to poaching in 2024 alone, with four cases still under active investigation by wildlife authorities.

Photo Source: Cloudtail the Snow Leopard (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)