ODFW to assist with lethal removal of Chesnimnus wolf
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Wednesday, June 8th, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
WALLOWA COUNTY – ODFW will increase its involvement and assist in the lethal removal of one Chesnimnus Pack wolf due to additional livestock conflict with wolves from this pack. ODFW may remove the wolf from the ground or air.
A kill permit has already been issued that allows the affected livestock producer to shoot one wolf in pastures occupied by their livestock.
The producer continues to use non-lethal measures, but wolf activity in the pastures and risk to livestock has remained high. There is continued evidence of wolves chasing his livestock, and there was a probable depredation in his herd over the weekend. In addition, another depredation by Chesnimnus wolves was confirmed in an investigation on June 4 with a different livestock producer in the area.
Lethal take can be authorized by ODFW in chronic depredation situations when there is significant risk to livestock present in the area and non-lethal measures were being used prior to depredations.
Another update will be posted about this permit only if a wolf is removed or the permit is re-issued.
This above release from ODFW comes on the heels of one confirmed and one probable depredation by the Chesnimnus Pack this in the past several days. The two recent incident reports can be found below.
June 4, 2022 – Wallowa County B (Chesnimnus Creek area)
Date Investigated: 6/4/22
Cause of death/injury: Probable
General situation and animal information: On the afternoon of 6/4/22, a producer found the remains of a four-month-old, 225-pound calf in a 250-acre privately-owned pasture. The herd was bunched up before and during the investigation. The calf was entirely intact with all the hide and muscle tissue remaining. The calf was estimated to have died within 24 hours of the investigation.
Physical evidence and summary of findings: The calf was shaved, skinned, and examined. There were barb-wire injuries and possible pre-mortem tooth punctures on the right torso and left armpit measuring ¼ inch in diameter with underlying muscle trauma. There was cattle-caused ground disturbance in a 50- yard circle around the dead calf, indicating that there was a predator in the area that contributed to the calf’s death. Based on the scene, pre-mortem wounds, and recent wolf activity in the area including depredations, the determination is probable. This attack was attributed to the Chesnimnus Pack
June 4, 2022 – Wallowa County A (Crow Creek area)
Date Investigated: 6/4/22
Cause of death/injury: Confirmed
General situation and animal information: On the morning of 6/4/22, a livestock producer located an injured 2 ½-month-old, 245 lb. calf. Due to the severity of the injuries, the calf was euthanized immediately prior to the investigation. It was estimated that the injuries were sustained 24-48 hours prior. Physical evidence and summary of findings: The carcass was shaved, skinned, and examined. There were numerous pre-mortem bite scrapes measuring up to ¼ inch wide and five inches long on the hindquarters, on both rear flanks and groin, at the right front shoulder, and at the base of the tail. There were premortem tooth punctures on the left flank and right inner thigh, including tissue damage 1 ½ inches deep. The size and location of the bite wounds and severity of trauma are similar to those observed in other calves attacked by wolves. This depredation is attributed to the Chesnimnus Pack.
