Multiple calves found dead or injured, consistent with wolf attack

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.

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Elkhorn Media Group

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