Victory! Court Blocks Washington State From Killing Member Of The Sherman Wolf Pack

On October 14, 2025, the Sherman wolf pack in Washington State won a critical reprieve. A King County Superior Court commissioner issued a temporary restraining order preventing the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) from killing a member of the pack in Ferry County.

This decision blocks an order made just days earlier by WDFW Deputy Director Amy Windrope, who had authorized the lethal removal of one Sherman pack wolf following reported livestock conflicts. That action is now halted, at least for the time being.

The legal action was brought by Washington Wildlife First and other conservation allies who stepped in immediately after the state’s announcement. They filed for a temporary restraining order and a broader injunction, arguing that killing this wolf was unnecessary and unjustified. The court agreed that their request met the criteria for emergency relief.

A hearing on a longer-term preliminary injunction is now scheduled for October 28, 2025. Until then, the Sherman pack is safe from government-ordered killing.

This ruling marks a much-needed victory for wolves, especially at a time when they face growing threats across the country. From state-sanctioned hunts to rollbacks on federal protections, wolves are under relentless pressure. Yet this case proves that when advocates take action, meaningful change is possible.

The continued survival of the Sherman pack is critical to ensuring the long-term recovery of wolves in Washington and throughout the region.

Help save America’s wolves by joining the pack at Team Wolf HERE!