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SB 5939

Protecting livestock from wolf predation.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by John Lovick and 3 co-sponsors

A three-year pilot authorizes eligible livestock owners or agents to take the first wolf that returns to a predation site, with reporting to WDFW and a sunset in 2028.

Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks at 1:30 PM.
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Bill Summary · SB 5939

Summary of SB 5939 — Protecting Livestock from Wolf Predation

Purpose and intent

SB 5939 aims to bolster protections for livestock by establishing a limited, three-year pilot program allowing the authorized taking of the first wolf that returns to a livestock predation site. The pilot is designed to evaluate whether this approach reduces repeated predation at predation sites. The bill also tightens penalties related to unlawful taking of endangered wildlife and sets an explicit sunset date.

Key provisions

  • Sec. 1 — Establishment of a three-year pilot program

    • The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) must create a three-year pilot to evaluate the effectiveness of authorizing the taking of the first wolf that returns to a livestock predation site.
    • Eligibility to act under the pilot: the livestock owner, the owner's immediate family member, the owner’s agent, or the owner’s documented employee.
    • Authorized action: monitor the predation site and take the first wolf that returns to the site.
    • Reporting and surrender: any wolf killed under this authority must be reported to WDFW within 24 hours, and the wolf carcass must be surrendered to WDFW.
    • Evaluation: WDFW must report to the appropriate legislative committees by December 1, 2027, on the pilot’s outcomes.

  • Sec. 2 — Amendments to RCW 77.15.120 (Endangered wildlife provisions)

    • Clarifies unlawful taking of endangered wildlife in the second degree and first degree, including actions such as hunting, killing, or destroying nests/eggs.
    • Penalties:
    • Second degree: gross misdemeanor.
    • First degree: class C felony, with potential additional consequences tied to prior offenses.
    • Licensing consequences: revocation of licenses or tags and a two-year suspension of hunting/fishing privileges under the title.

  • Sec. 3 — Sunset/expiration

    • The act expires July 1, 2028, implying the pilot, related provisions, and sunset-related authorities would end on that date unless extended by subsequent legislation.

Affected parties

  • Livestock owners and their families, agents, or documented employees operating at predation sites.
  • Wolf management agencies (WDFW), which would administer the pilot, receive carcasses, and report findings.
  • Individuals subject to the amended wildlife offenses and licensing provisions.

Timelines and status

  • Introduced: January 2, 2024; Prefiled the same day; First reading: January 8, 2024; Referred to Senate Committee on Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks.
  • Public hearings are scheduled (e.g., January 18, 2024) with the committee hearing at 1:30 PM.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • The pilot creates a mechanism to address livestock predation while allowing assessment of effectiveness and potential ecological or ethical concerns.
  • The expansion of unlawful-taking penalties reinforces protections for endangered wildlife beyond the wolf predation context.
  • The sunset date ensures a formal review and limits ongoing authority unless renewed by future legislation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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