Wolves kill 5 calves in Umatilla County

UMATILLA COUNTY – Five calves were killed by wolves over the weekend in a single incident in Umatilla County. The wolf depredation has been confirmed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

ODFW Media Communications Coordinator Michelle Dennehy said the attack was by the Arbuckle Pack. According to the latest wolf census, this is a new pack that had at least three pups survive to the end of 2024, counting as a breeding pair. In April, ODFW reported the breeding male of the Fivemile Pack was in the area traveling alone as well as with the Arbuckle Pack. The area of known activity for the Arbuckle Pack spans Umatilla and Morrow counties.

Dennehy said that the depredation occurred in Umatilla County, but it was to the west of Highways 395-78-95. Wolves to the west of those routes remain federally protected under the Endangered Species Act. USDA Wildlife Services is working with the landowner and surrounding livestock producers on nonlethal measures to prevent depredation, Dennehy said.

In cases of chronic livestock depredation where non-lethal methods have proven ineffective, USDA Wildlife Services may be authorized to lethally remove wolves. This is done under permits issued by ODFW and in coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in areas where wolves are federally protected.

File photo supplied by Oregon Cattlemen’s Association

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Elkhorn Media Group