Problem Wolf Lethally Removed In Federally Listed Portion Of Oregon

ODFW reports that federal officials today lethally removed the wolf known as OR158 that’s responsible for chronic livestock depredations this winter in a portion of Oregon where the predator species is still federally listed as endangered.

The state agency says the action was “taken as a last resort” but aligns with federal regulation 50 CFR17.21(c)(3)(iv) that allows for the removal of an ESA-protected wolf that “(constitutes) a demonstrable but non-immediate threat to human safety.”

The wolf has been attacking calves owned by different ranchers north of Lakeview in recent weeks and is blamed for eight confirmed and four probable depredations.

County officials declared a “public safety and livestock emergency” and asked ODFW to pursue a permit to take out the wolf under the above federal rule.

Nonlethal tools used unsuccessfully to ward off attacks included range riders, spotlights, human presence, fox lights, air cannons, less-than-lethal projectiles, carcass removal and even drones equipped with thermal optics, according to ODFW.

The animal came from the Halfway area of far eastern Oregon, bisected the state and went into California before returning to Southern Oregon in December. ODFW created a conflict deterrence plan specifically for OR158 late last week.

“U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and USDA Wildlife Services will continue working with all parties to ensure producers have the best tools in hand, as well as agency support and resources, to prevent and respond to wolf conflict before it escalates. Catching a wolf in the act of approaching livestock and applying deterrents at that time remains the most effective,” reads a statement from ODFW.