Statewide rules for shooting wolves attacking livestock

By on Wednesday, February 24th, 2021 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

EASTERN OREGON – Take of wolves caught in the act of biting, wounding or killing continues to be lawful statewide under certain circumstances, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife this week. In the information provided, livestock producers in eastern Oregon (Phase III) can also shoot a wolf chasing livestock under certain circumstances. Download the pdf for specific information.

Shooting wolves chasing livestock anywhere in western Oregon (Phase I) is currently not allowed, since there are no current situations of chronic depredation (at least four qualifying events of depredation in the last six months).

If wolves are re-listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act, those federal laws supersede state law and lethal take of wolves for any reason except personal defense is unlawful. Check the legal status of wolves on the ODFW website or sign up for wolf-livestock notification emails to be informed about changes in wolf protection status and current events for livestock producers.​