Officials authorize killing of wolf in Wallowa County as attacks increase
By Joe Hathaway on Monday, May 20th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
WALLOWA COUNTY — The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) has authorized the lethal removal of one wolf in the Lostine area in Wallowa County.
Three depredations have been attributed to a previously unknown wolf or wolves in the southern portion of the Sled Springs Wildlife Management Unit since March. ODFW states that USDA Wildlife Services or the producer, or someone the producer appoints, can get a temporary permit to remove a wolf from the farmer’s private land. This is allowed because the animal remains a threat despite several non-lethal attempts to deter it.
The agency says the producer has been using regular human presence patrolling day and night, removal of attractants, night penning within electromesh and in a barn, and scare devices to reduce conflict. The limited duration permit is valid until June 30, 2024, or until a wolf is removed, whichever comes first.
The announcement of the removal comes as the ODFW also reports another deadly wolf attack against livestock in the county. The agency says it appears a wolf killed a two-month old calf on private land in the Flora area on May 15.
The news also comes amid a massive investigation into the poisoning of at least three wolves and other wildlife in Wallowa County that occurred in April. You can read more about the investigation here.
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