More Wolves in Oregon

alpha male, new Chesnimnus pack

Wolf numbers continue to slowly increase in Oregon according to the latest annual report from the state's wildlife management agency.  Biologists counted 137 wolves in 16 packs, up 10% from last year.  A pack is defined as four or more wolves traveling together in winter. Fifteen of those successfully reproduced. One pack, the Wenaha, apparently lost its oldest alpha female, who disappeared during 2018. She was at least ten years old, and appeared in poor condition in camera trap pictures.   Oregon wolves are now reclaiming their range into the central Cascades.

This population increase continues despite illegal human depredations and alleged preying on livestock. Two wolves were illegally killed in 2018, a juvenile believed to belong to the Grouse Flats (Washington) pack, and a collared female from the Mt. Emily pack.  Rewards for information are offered for these and other incidents.  The agency reports 28 confirmed wolf kills, including two guard dogs.  Three packs seem to be responsible for the majority of preying incidents.  Notably, despite increase in wolf population, predation has not increased at the same rate.  Oregon's proposed wolf management plan mandates that non-lethal actions be taken before culling is allowed.  US Person wants to encourage livestock owners to consider using guardian dogs, which are less expensive than humans, and used with great success in Europe. The Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Wolf Depredation Compensation and Financial Assistance Grant Program awarded $160,890 in grant funds to compensate livestock producers for losses and to fund preventive non-lethal measures.

Oregon's Fish & Wildlife Commission is expected to vote on the proposed Wolf Management Plan at its public June 7th meeting in Salem.  Public comment on the plan can be submitted to odfw.commission@state.or.us or at the meeting.