Northeast Oregon experienced 44 confirmed/probable wolf depredations in 2025

By on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

EASTERN OREGON – Throughout 2025, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife posted confirmed and probable wolf depredation investigations throughout the state, including the suspected wolves responsible, and the livestock/animal casualties. In reviewing the published depredation information, Union, Baker and Wallowa Counties combined experienced 44 confirmed and probable wolf depredations last year, totaling 58 injured or dead animals (including both livestock and protection animals). 

In reviewing the information by County, Union County experienced 6 depredations in 2025, resulting in 15 animal casualties (injuries and deaths) between January 7 and November 22. The depredations were attributed to:

  • Frazier Mountain Pack (1 event)
  • Five Points Pack (1 event) 
  • Ruckle Ridge Pack (1 event) 
  • Unknown wolves (3 events). 

The deadliest single depredation occurred on November 17, with the deaths of 7 ewes in the Odessa Spring area, attributed to the Ruckel Ridge Pack. 

Specific animal casualties for Union County include:

  • 1 dead adult cow
  • 1 injured adult cow
  • 1 Injured calf
  • 7 dead ewes
  • 5 dead 8-month-old calves

All depredations occurred on private land pastures. The time between when depredations were suspected to have occurred and when investigations began ranged from 12 hours to 10 days, depending on the specific event. Note that two depredations were also initially investigated on January 3 and March 12 that were later changed to “not wolves” by ODFW. 

Baker County experienced 5 depredations in 2025, resulting in 5 animal casualties between February 2 and October 24. The depredations were attributed to:

  • A single, unnamed wolf (1 event)
  • Frazier Mountain Pack (1 event)
  • Unknown wolves (1 event) 
  • Keating Wolves (2 events). 

All reported depredations resulted in a single animal casualty. Specific animal casualties for Baker County include: 

  • 2 dead calves
  • 2 injured calves
  • 1 injured bull

Again, all depredations occurred on private land pastures, with the time between when depredations were suspected to have occurred and when investigations began ranging from 12 hours to four weeks.

Compared to Union and Baker Counties, Wallowa County experienced a significant number of depredations through the majority of 2025, with 32 reported events resulting in 38 animal casualties between January 9 and December 30, 14 injuries and 24 deaths. The depredations were attributed to:

  • Middle Fork Pack (3 events)
  • Wolves in Crow Creek Area (10 events)
  • Bear Creek Pack (4 Events)
  • Grouse Flats Pack: (5 Events)
  • Wenaha Pack: (4 Events)
  • Wildcat Pack (1 Event)
  • OR157 Wolves (1 Event)

Five depredations resulted in two animal casualties, while all others resulted in one. The most depredated area of Wallowa County for 2025 was the Crow Creek area, with eight reported events. Specific animal casualties for Wallowa County included:

  • 1 Dead adult mule
  • 3 Injured adult cows
  • 2 Dead adult cows
  • 1 Injured yearling cow
  • 2 Dead yearling cows
  • 7 Injured calves
  • 18 Dead calves
  • 1 Injured adult goat
  • 1 Dead yearling goat
  • 1 Injured ewe
  • 1 Injured livestock protection dog

The depredations were split between 24 reported on private land pastures and 8 on public land allotments. The time between when depredations were suspected to have occurred and when investigations began ranged from a few hours to 15 days.

Elkhorn Media Group