ODFW authorizes lethal removal of six Northeast Oregon wolves and confirms addition depredation
By Garrett Christensen on Friday, November 24th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER & UNION COUNTIES – ON November 22, 2023, ODFW authorized a new lethal removal permit for up to six wolves from the Black Pines Pack. The full description of the permit is as follows:
“On 11/21/2023, ODFW authorized lethal removal of up to six wolves from the chronically depredating Black Pines Pack in Baker and Union Counties. The Black Pines Pack has been responsible for ten confirmed depredation events since late Dec. of last year, with three occurring in the last two months.
The authorization allows removal by ODFW or USDA Wildlife Services. Lethal removal operations will use an incremental approach and are scheduled to conclude by Dec. 31, 2023. Efforts will focus on shifting wolf activity from lower elevation areas near the Keating Valley where recent depredations have occurred to National Forest lands where conflict is less likely. Producers impacted by recent depredations have been using regular human presence and scare devices including radios and air horns to reduce conflict. The Black Pines Pack is currently estimated to include at least 12 wolves (including at least 5 juveniles). All Wolf Plan rules regarding lethal removal are in effect for this authorization, including that ODFW did not identify any wolf attractants on the affected properties. Another update about the authorization will be posted if the six wolves are removed, after Dec. 31 if less than six wolves are removed, or the operations are extended.”
In addition, ODFW have confirmed a new wolf depredation in Baker County. The incident took place in the Burnt River area on private land and was initially investigated on November 21. The attack resulted in the injury of a single eight-month-old calf and has been attributed to as of yet unnamed wolves in the Sumpter Wildlife Management Unit.
