Multiple calves found dead or injured, consistent with wolf attack
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Tuesday, September 28th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
UKIAH – (Investigation report from the ODFW)
September 25, 2021 – Umatilla County (Ukiah Valley area)
Date Investigated: 9/25/21 Cause of death/injury: Confirmed (7 calves)
General situation and animal information: While feeding and checking weaned calves the morning of 9/25/21, a ranch hand found one dead and six injured calves in an approximately 200-acre grass private- land pasture. Two of the injured calves were euthanized due to their injuries. All calves were approximately six months old and weighed 450-550 lbs. All calves were estimated to have sustained their injuries the night of 9/24/21.
Physical evidence and summary of findings: Portions of the three carcasses were shaved and skinned.
All three calves had dozens of parallel pre-mortem tooth scrapes on the back of the hindquarters between the hocks and anus. Tooth scrapes were up to 3/16 inch wide and approximately 3 inches long.
Numerous similarly sized tooth scrapes were found between the elbow and shoulder of all three calves. Tissue trauma associated with the tooth scrapes was up to 3 inches deep. Each injured calf was examined in a squeeze chute. The calves had numerous tooth scrapes up to 3/16 inch wide and 3-5 inches long on the hindquarters between the hocks and anus. The location, size, number, and direction of tooth scrapes and/or severity of associated tissue trauma is consistent with wolf attack injuries on calves. It is currently not known what wolves are responsible for this depredation. No radio-collar locations from the Ukiah Pack have been in the area. It is possible the Fivemile Pack is using areas east of their estimated AKWA. In addition, recent reports suggest a new group of wolves may be present southeast of the depredation location. This report may be updated as new information is collected.
