Wildlife officials: Cow killed by gray wolf near Cle Elum



CLE ELUM, Wash. (AP) — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says a cow whose carcass was found over the weekend in central Washington was killed by a gray wolf.

The agency said Thursday it's the second confirmed livestock kill within the range of the Teanaway wolf pack. A young cow was killed by a wolf in July.

A researcher studying gray wolves in the area discovered the carcass Saturday on federal land north of Cle Elum. Other cows were in the area and appeared uninjured.

Officials with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife reviewed evidence and confirmed a wolf killed the animal.

The rancher had a prevention agreement with the state to proactively limit livestock damage, though the cow was found outside the rancher's grazing area allotment.

Gray wolves are federally protected west of Highway 97. They're listed as endangered by the state throughout Washington.