DNA tests confirm wild gray wolves in Okanogan Co.

By Associated Press

Summary

Washington state wildlife officials say genetic tests have confirmed that two animals captured last Friday in western Okanogan County are wild, gray wolves.

More Local & Regional News

Story Published: Jul 23, 2008 at 9:34 PM PST

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 10:37 PM PST

DNA tests confirm wild gray wolves in Okanogan Co.
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - Washington state wildlife officials say genetic tests have confirmed that two animals captured last Friday in western Okanogan County are wild, gray wolves. Before releasing the wolves - a male and a lactating female - biologists fitted them with radio collars to track their movements.

The state Fish and Wildlife Department also noted Wednesday that a remote camera operated by a private group has photographed the radio-collared male wolf at a location where six pups were also photographed.

Wildlife officials say this is the first documented resident wolf pack in Washington since the 1930s.

Wolves are considered endangered in Washington state.