DNA tests confirm wild gray wolves in Okanogan Co.

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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.

Story Published: Jul 23, 2008 at 9:34 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.