WDFW Showing their Hand - Ruby Creek Wolf Being Given to "Zoo" - Uh-Huh.

[bearpaw]

If she were spayed then I wouldn't care either, I've seen no mention of having her spayed mentioned anywhere 

If there isn't, I think there should be accountability of all captive wolves and any pups born at wolf haven or any other facility. I know that elk breeders are required to keep exact records and those records are inspected by the state.

[pianoman9701]

If these wolves aren't killed, then they need to be spayed. Pamplin should also be neutered.

[huntnphool]

This was never a option to be voted on in the "proposal" so why is it a option now? Making up their own rules as they go along now?

[pianoman9701]

This was never a option to be voted on in the "proposal" so why is it a option now? Making up their own rules as they go along now?

And I believe that was pointed out when the WDFW announced this. It seems that Nate Pamplin went "rogue" on this decision to "donate" the wolf to WH. He needs to be fired anyway. This'd be a good place to start.

[pianoman9701]

I have good information the decision to move the wolf to WH was by a majority consensus of the Wildlife commission, not the actions of one person. The move was made to quell the objections of the wolf lovers to killing it and other wolves. There was at least one dissenting voice to the decision. Nate Pamplin did not make or recommend the move and was merely the messenger.

[pianoman9701]

That information came to me after having sent the following letter to the wildlife commission and Nate Pamplin:

"Dear Mr. Pamplin and Members of the Wildlife Commission,

As you most likely know, I'm a Master Hunter, a member of several conservation groups, and a member of an active member online forum which has in excess of 16,000 members. I'd like to know a few things about the recent transfer of a captured problem female wild wolf to Wolf Haven. 1. Was or will this wolf be spayed to avoid breeding with other species or hybrids? 2. Was DNA profiling done on this wolf for use in possible future examinations or investigations? 3. Is there a program set up to monitor the life of this wolf at the facility to ensure it doesn't accidentally escape and become a problem in another part of the state?

There are many people who don't understand this transfer. The appearance of a relationship between the WDFW and and activist pro-wolf organization is definitely raising some eyebrows in the hunting and farming/ranching communities. In addition, as far as I can tell, no such transfer is outlined in the Wolf Plan and questions are being raised as to whether this transfer was 4. Even allowed under the program, 5. the decision of one person, or that of a group of people, and 6. who that person or people are. I'd like to get answers to all of these questions in a timely manner please. Feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your consideration of my request. "

[pianoman9701]

Response from Nate Pamplin which indicates the female wolf will be "fixed". I thought she'd already been caught, but apparently not.

"Mr. Wallace:
I wanted to acknowledge that I received your email. 

As of this afternoon, the Ruby Creek female wolf has not been captured.  Upon capture, there are plans to have her 'fixed' in a manner that she will not be able to breed. 

I'll provide more details after I connect with our carnivore staff lead; and will email a more complete response to you early next week.

Have a good weekend-

Nate Pamplin, Assistant Director
Wildlife Program
WDFW

[gaddy]

Who's paying to have  these Problem wolves fixed ? Why would it even be considered  to "fix" a problem animal. End the problem and move on. The problems will still be problems regardless of weather there is any breeding.

[4fletch]

If these wolves aren't killed, then they need to be spayed. Pamplin should also be neutered.

since we are most likely paying for all this we should have a say and I say take her to a vet and have her teeth removed

[pianoman9701]

This is the latest from Nate Pamplin:

"Mr. Wallace:

I am writing in response to your questions dated October 8, 2014 about the problem wolf from the Ruby Creek pack that the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) is currently trying to capture for permanent placement at Wolf Haven International (WHI). 

The adult female wolf has been routinely living near people, domestic dogs, and livestock. The wolf has been regularly harassed by WDFW field staff with rubber bullets and other aversive tactics, but continues to display habituated behaviors.  We are concerned that she will breed with a domestic dog, produce wolf-dog hybrids in the wild, and become increasingly associated with humans if no action is taken.

The Wolf Conservation and Management Plan does not address placing habituated wolves in to captivity, largely because we understood that options for permanent placement would not be available and therefore not a long-term solution.  However, this is a rare situation; WHI has generously offered to take this individual into their care. 

The decision to place the wolf in captivity was made after discussions with WDFW's Wolf Advisory Group of citizens, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission, and the Pend Oreille County Commission.  We discussed the pros and cons of possible actions, including translocation, euthanasia, or placement in captivity.    We believe the decision to place this animal in captivity is consistent with the intent of the plan for minimizing conflict as well as working with stakeholders to implement conflict resolutions.  Ultimately, the decision to place this animal at WHI was made by the Director.

I understand that some people may question the Department's decision to place this wolf in captivity.  The Department fully recognizes that there are a variety of concerns associated with moving a wolf into captivity-ranging from some peoples' concern of a wild wolf living in captivity, to the precedent and expectation that the Department will attempt to move all problem wolves into captivity.  We know that placing problems wolves in captivity will not be a reoccurring option looking ahead, but in this rare case we believe permanent placement in captivity is a good match given the animals' habituation to humans. 

If the wolf is captured, it will be altered (equivalent to hysterectomy) to ensure no future breeding.  As a routine part of our wolf captures, DNA has also been collected from this wolf during a previous capture in 2013 for possible use in future analyses.  WHI is permitted by American Sanctuary Association and U.S. Department of Agriculture for possessing captive wildlife, with inspections/review of the facility, protocols, and animal security. 

If the wolf does not adapt well to life in captivity, based upon criteria developed by the WDFW and WHI, it will be euthanized.

Thank you for your interest and continued engagement on wildlife issues in Washington.

Sincerely,

Nate Pamplin, Assistant Director
Wildlife Program
WDFW"

[PolarBear]

Yeah, they want to bring that mutt to my back yard practically.  Maybe it's time to donate some elk meat sweetened up with a little xylitol!