OLYMPIA — Washington state biologists say they have made contact with the state’s second wolf pack and have collared the alpha male.
The wolf pack’s presence has been confirmed in the remote forests of northeast Washington’s Pend Oreille County, as biologists tracked the pack they believe is made up of at least one adult and three pups. Previously, biologists had recorded howls from the wolves and taken pictures of the pack using remote motion-detection cameras.
Two wolf pups were also temporarily captured to equip them with ear tags. The satellite-telemetry collar on the adult male will be used to track the pack’s movements.
Gray wolves were nearly hunted to extinction in the 1930s but have lately had a population resurgence in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. Last summer, adult wolves were confirmed in Okanogan County.
Fort Lewis: Soldier charged in teen’s death
The Army says a Fort Lewis soldier from Indiana will face a court martial in the death of his 16-year-old girlfriend.
Pvt. Timothy E. Bennitt is charged with involuntary manslaughter and drug crimes. His girlfriend, Leah King, died in his barracks Feb. 15 after an overdose of prescription pills.
No date for the court martial has been set.
Bennitt faces up to 82 years in prison, reduction in rank, forfeiture of all pay and allowances and a dishonorable discharge from the Army if convicted.
Prosecutors say Bennitt, 19 and originally from Rolling Prairie, Ind., provided King with oxymorphone, knowing she had a history of substance abuse, and allowed her to mix the painkiller with Xanax.
Walla Walla: Explosives stolen from industrial park
Hundreds of pounds of explosives and detonation cord were stolen from the Port of Walla Walla magazine at the airport industrial park.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said the theft was discovered by Washington State Patrol troopers Monday conducting a routine inspection. The theft apparently occurred sometime after July 23.
The Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office asked the ATF to lead the investigation.
The explosives were being stored for various agencies and private parties. They include:
Associated Press
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