In 2018, the OPT Pack formed in the NE Washington territory formerly occupied by the Profanity Peak wolves, who were killed by the state wildlife agency in 2017 for repeated predation on livestock. “OPT” stands for “Old Profanity Territory.” It is unknown whether these new wolves might have been remaining members of the Profanity Peak Pack, of which 3 yearlings likely survived at the end of 2017.
In September 2018, due to suspected predation on cattle, the state wildlife agency killed two OPT wolves, a female pup and an adult female. At the end of 2018, the OPT Pack had a minimum number of 4 wolves, and was considered a successful breeding pair for the year.
In 2019, the pack was again involved in cattle predations, and through July and August 2019, the state wildlife department ultimately killed all known pack members – 8 total wolves.
Although wolves are an endangered species according to Washington law, under the Washington Wolf Plan and Wolf-Livestock Interaction Protocol, the state may kill wolves that are believed to be members of a pack that predates on livestock within a specified frequency and interval.
Pack status: Designated 2018. No longer an active pack.
Current Numbers: 0
