Surge in wolf attacks in Northeast Oregon prompts lethal action
By Joe Hathaway on Monday, July 15th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News Northeastern Oregon News
NORTHEAST OREGON — A recent surge in wolf attacks across Northeast Oregon has led to lethal removal actions and heightened tensions between wildlife and livestock owners.
In Union County, The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife authorized and carried out the killing of a wolf on July 10 after a series of attacks by the Tower Mountain Pack resulted in multiple livestock deaths. This decision followed two confirmed depredations that left six sheep dead and one guardian dog injured. Despite measures including a herder, guardian dogs, and scare devices, the attacks persisted, prompting ODFW to take lethal action on public land.
The Ruckel Ridge Pack in Umatilla County has also been implicated in recent attacks. On July 5, a ewe was killed on public land near Summit Road, followed by another ewe’s death in the same area on July 9. Both incidents were confirmed by wildlife officials.
In Wallowa County, the Bear Creek Pack has been particularly aggressive, attacking livestock on consecutive days. On July 7 and July 8, two four-month-old calves were injured on private land near Bear Creek. The ODFW confirmed these incidents and has been monitoring the pack closely.
As a response to the increasing threats, the ODFW has authorized lethal removal actions in Wallowa County. The Bear Creek Pack, which has been involved in numerous depredations, is the focus of these efforts. Wildlife officials say they continue to assess the situation and take necessary steps to protect livestock while managing the wolf population.
