Wolf kill permit extended in Bear Valley

By on Thursday, December 28th, 2023 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories

SENECA – In an update from the ODFW, the lethal removal permit for two wolves in Bear Valley has been extended to the end of January, following three more confirmed depredations on livestock. Find the full ODFW release below:

(Release from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife)

Lethal removal permit for Bear Valley area in Grant County extended, with two wolves authorized for removal between extended permit and agency action

The lethal removal permit set to expire Dec. 31, 2023 for a producer in the Bear Valley area east of Hwy 395 in Grant County has been extended through Jan. 31, 2024. Since the original lethal removal authorization on 11/9/2023, three confirmed wolf depredations have been attributed to Murderers Creek wolves, two of which were in the Bear Valley area. As mild winter conditions persist, it is expected that wolves will continue to frequent this area and pose a risk to livestock. All conditions from the original permit remain in effect. In addition to the updated permit, ODFW staff are authorized to remove up to two Murderers Creek wolves east of Hwy 395. No more than two wolves will be removed between the producer permit and agency action. All Wolf Plan rules regarding lethal removal are in effect for this authorization and permit, including that ODFW did not identify any wolf attractants on affected properties. Another update about the authorization will be posted if two wolves are removed, after Jan. 31 if less than two wolves are removed, or the authorization is extended.