More Wolf Pups In Oregon

US Fish & Wildlife Service tells us that at least four pups were born to Oregon's Indigo wolf pack this year.  The agency has collared one of the pups, now about six months old [photo courtesy USFW]  Oregon adopted a new management plan in June for grey wolves that fell short in protecting wolves in eastern Oregon where they are most abundant and not under federal protection.  Grey wolves eastern Oregon are still listed under the federal Endangered Species Act, but the regime has issued a proposal to strip federal protection for grey wolves.  An estimated 137 wolves live in 16 packs in Oregon.

To the north, Governor Jay Inslee wrote a letter to Washington state wildlife officials demanding "new methods to better support coexistence...."  State officials have been killing wolves at a rapid rate.  Four wolves in one pack were killed this summer hours before a court hearing was decide their fate.  The Governor referred to lethal actions taken in the Kettle Mountain Range where wolves are concentrated in northeastern Washington that have "resulted in public concern and outrage".  There are an estimated 126 wolves living in Washington.  Oregon's governor has yet to make a public statement concerning wolf protection in her state. 

Meanwhile back in New Jersey: 94 black bears including mothers and cubs were killed on opening day of the hunting season.