Eastern Washington lawmaker wants to move wolf packs to Southern Cascades

SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — An Eastern Washington lawmaker says wolves should be relocated to other parts of Washington where the animals are more popular.

State Rep. Joel Kretz, R-Wauconda, has introduced a bill calling for wolf packs to be established in places like the southern Cascade Range, which is considered excellent habitat.

Eleven of the state's 14 wolf packs are in Kretz's northeastern Washington legislative district, and are creating conflicts with ranchers and other residents.

His bill is one of several wolf-related measures that were scheduled to be heard Thursday in the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources in Olympia.

Kretz in the past has suggested sending wolves to live near cities in Western Washington, where support for the animals runs deep.