Multiple wolf depredations confirmed in Northeast Oregon for October. Lethal removals authorized

By on Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

UNION AND WALLOWA COUNTIES – Since the last wolf depredation report received by Elkhorn Media Group on October 4, The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has reported a further eight confirmed and probable wolf depredations in the state of Oregon. Of these, 7 occurred in Union and Wallowa Counties, with the eighth occurring in Lake County. A breakdown of all recent Union/Wallowa County wolf depredations, investigated between October 4 and October 15, is as follows:

  • Date of investigation: 10/04/2024
    • Status: Confirmed
    • Pack responsible: Ukiah Pack
    • Location: Union County, Kamela, 140-acre private land pasture
    • Livestock information: 1 dead ewe
    • Estimated date of depredation or time since depredation: 5 hours
  • Date of investigation: 10/04/2024
    • Status: Confirmed/Probable
    • Pack responsible: Balloon Tree Pack
    • Location: Union County, Cabin Creek, 2200-acre private land pasture
    • Livestock information: 1 dead ewe (Confirmed), 1 dead lamb (probable)
    • Estimated date of depredation or time since depredation: 10/01/2024 (p.m.)
  • Date of investigation: 10/09/2024
    • Status: Confirmed
    • Pack responsible: Balloon Tree Pack
    • Location: Union County, Darr Road, 2200-acre private land pasture
    • Livestock information: 1 dead 6-month-old lamb
    • Estimated date of depredation or time since depredation: 10/08/2024
  • Date of investigation: 10/11/2024
    • Status: Confirmed (2 events)
    • Pack responsible: Fraizer Mountain Pack
    • Location: Union County, Powder River, large public land allotment
    • Livestock information: 1 dead adult cow, 1 dead 8-month-old calf
    • Estimated date of depredation or time since depredation: 10/06/2024 and 10/09/2024
  • Date of investigation: 10/13/2024
    • Status: Confirmed
    • Pack responsible: Wildcat Pack
    • Location: Wallowa County, Grossman Creek, 5200-care private land pasture
    • Livestock information: 9 dead ewes
    • Estimated date of depredation or time since depredation: 12-24 hours
  • Date of investigation: 10/14/2024
    • Status: Confirmed
    • Pack responsible: Balloon Tree Pack
    • Location: Union County, Cabin Creek, 2200-acre private land pasture
    • Livestock information: 3 dead ewes, 8 dead lambs
    • Estimated date of depredation or time since depredation: 10/11/2024
  • Date of investigation: 10/15/2024
    • Status: Confirmed
    • Pack responsible: Balloon Tree Pack
    • Location: Union County, Cabin Creek, 2200-acre private land pasture
    • Livestock information: 1 dead lamb (same event as 10/14/2024)
    • Estimated date of depredation or time since depredation: 10/11/2024

In total, these depredations resulted in 14 dead ewes, 11 dead lambs (10 confirmed and 1 probable), 1 dead cow, and 1 dead calf. Current depredation information can be viewed at https://dfw.state.or.us/wolves/docs/dep_inv/ODFW%20Depredation%20Investigation%20Report.pdf

In addition to the recent depredations, ODFW authorized two lethal removal permits since the beginning of October, one for the Balloon Tree Pack and one for the Wildcat Pack. Information on these permits (as posted by ODFW) is as follows:

Balloon Tree Pack

“On October 4, 2024, ODFW authorized USDA Wildlife Services to remove two wolves in the Balloon Tree Pack AKWA after three confirmed depredations resulted in three dead sheep and two injured guard dogs. This authorization allowed removal on private land only near the affected sheep band. The livestock producer had a herder present with the sheep day and night, livestock guardian dogs, and scare devices to reduce conflict. Two wolves were removed on October 17, 2024, and no more removals are planned at this time.”

Wildcat Pack

“On October 15, 2024, ODFW authorized lethal removal of one wolf in the Wildcat Pack AKWA after two confirmed depredations resulted in one dead calf and nine dead sheep. This authorization allows removal by the producer or their agent through a limited duration permit on the private land pastures near the affected sheep band. The livestock producer had a herder present with the sheep day and night, livestock guardian dogs, and scare devices to reduce conflict. The limited duration permit is valid until November 10, 2024, or the sheep are removed, whichever comes first.”

Elkhorn Media Group