Additional confirmed wolf depredation in Wallowa County, Grouse Flats lethal removal permit extended
By Joe Hathaway on Monday, May 6th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
WALLOWA COUNTY – ODFW has confirmed an additional Wolf Depredation in Wallowa County. The incident was initially investigated on April 26 and occurred in the Lostine area on private land. In total, ODFW reports 1 dead ewe, 1 injured ewe, and eight dead lambs. Of the depredations, all have been confirmed as wolf depredations, apart from one dead lamb listed as “probable” as of the time of writing. The incident has been attributed to an as yet unknown wolf or group of wolves in the Sled Springs Wolf Management Unit.
In addition to this depredation, ODFW has announced that a Grouse Flats Pack lethal removal permit initially issued on March 8th has been extended. ODFW’s statement on the extension is as follows:
“No wolves were removed under the permit issued for the Grouse Flats Pack on March 8, 2024. That permit expired at midnight on April 30, 2024, and is no longer in effect. A new limited duration permit was issued to an affected producer on May 3, 2024, allowing the producer or their agent to remove one wolf on private land pastures they own or lease. Four depredation events have been confirmed since October 2023, with the most recent depredation event confirmed on April 22. The permit is valid until May 28, 2024, or one wolf is removed, whichever comes first.
The producer is using scare devices and regular human presence to reduce conflict. The Grouse Flats Pack is currently estimated to include at least seven wolves. All Wolf Plan rules regarding lethal removal are in effect for this authorization and permit, including that ODFW did not identify any wolf attractants on the property. Another update about the authorization will be posted if a wolf is removed, after May 28 if no wolves are removed, or the authorization is extended.”
