Washington Livestock Depredation Compensation

WDFW pays commercial sheep, cattle and horse owners for animals killed or injured by cougars or wolves, using available state funds; bear losses are currently unfunded. Confirmed wolf kills on large grazing acreage are paid at twice the verified loss to account for missing animals. Claims start at $500 and are capped at $30,000. The producer must show the non-lethal prevention measures they used.

• Commercially raised sheep, cattle or horses (other domestic animals only if federal or private funds exist)

• Loss caused by bear, cougar or wolf (bear currently unfunded)

• Claim of $500 or more

• Proof of ownership or lease, commercial value records, and a WDFW-approved checklist of non-lethal measures tried

Value based on market values from the claimant or a certified third-party livestock appraiser. 60 days to accept or appeal the offer; $30,000 cap per claim.

Published amounts: State law requires that only claims of $500 or more may be filed with the department for compensation from state funds. Individual claims are limited to no more than $30,000, even if appealed. Confirmed wolf depredations: paid verified losses under 100 acres, twice the verified losses over 100 acres; probable: verified loss on 100+ acres, half on under 100 acres. Bear depredations are currently not funded for claim payment.

Notify WDFW within 24 hours (WILDCOMM 360-902-2936 option 1 during business hours; state patrol after hours). Protect the carcass for investigation. Request a claim form within 30 days from the Wildlife Conflict Section (PO Box 43141, Olympia, WA 98504-3141; 360-902-2515; wildlifedamageclaims@dfw.wa.gov). Submit the completed form within 120 days.

Deadline text on the page: Notify WDFW within 24 hours of discovering a livestock attack. ... Request a claim form within 30 days of discovering the loss ... Submit a completed claim form within 120 days of notifying WDFW of the loss.