Wolf depredation cited as cause of death of a herding dog in Baker County
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Thursday, January 20th, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER/UNION COUNTIES – (Release from ODFW) The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has released information on two investigations that have taken place this month in Baker and Union Counties related to wolves.
January 16, 2022 – Baker County (Middle Bridge Loop Area)
Date Investigated: 1/16/22 Cause of death/injury: Confirmed
General situation and animal information: After being notified of wolves in close proximity to their house on 1/15/22, a livestock producer noticed the carcass of his 40-pound Kelpie herding dog 150 yards from their house on the morning of 1/16/22. The carcass had been scavenged and most of the muscle tissue and organs were missing.The dog was estimated to have died on the night of 1/14/22.
Physical evidence and summary of findings: The remains were examined, and the hair was shaved around the injuries. There were over 15 premortem bite punctures approximately 1/8 inch in diameter, as well as tears at least 1/8 inch wide and up to 1/2 inch long on the back and inside of the right front leg. The location, size, and number of tooth scrapes are consistent with wolf attack injuries on dogs. The depredation is attributed to the Keating Pack.
January 14, 2022 – Union County (High Valley area)
Date Investigated: 1/14/22 Cause of death/injury: Possible/unknown
General situation and animal information: A livestock producer found the remains of a deceased calf on the morning of 1/14/22 in a privately-owned 70-acre pasture near his residence. The carcass was completely scavenged with only the skull, one scapula, and the backbone with ribs attached. The calf was estimated to have died about 24hours earlier.
Physical evidence and summary of findings: No evidence of a chase or kill scene was found. The bones of the carcass were examined. No evidence was found on the carcass to suggest the death was wolf related, but due to thelack of muscle tissue and hide the determination is possible/unknown.
