Lookout Mountain Pack Destroyed

The state of Oregon has all but eliminated the Lookout Mountain wolf pack after it killed three more wolves from the air on October 20th.  That makes a total of eight members of the pack killed under lethal removal permits issued since July. All that remains of this pack is the alpha female and two of her juvenile offspring, which are unlikely to breed with her. The female is collared with a GPS device.  Once again state authorities have proven incapable of managing a recovering wolf population, so the resumption of federal protection under the Endangered Species Act is required. [OR-7; photo credit: OPB]

Earlier this month the Department of Fish and Wildlife issued another lethal control permit in Umatilla County to remove two wolves.  This permit expires on October 31st. The agency claims that its investigations of the area revealed no conditions on the private land which would attract wolves such as carcasses or sick animals.  It also says in its public reports that livestock owner in question took non-lethal steps to protect livestock before requesting a culling permit. Eight calves were victims of attacks, which  the agency labeled "chronic".  That determination allows lethal removal under its wolf management plan.  Unless the cattle are removed from the area, or depredations cease for an extended period of time, the Fivemile pack could end up like the former Lookout Mountain group.  This culturally induced persecution of an apex carnivore attempting to survive in a radically altered landscape by man has to end soon.  Federal action is needed nows; write Joe Biden and ask him to reinstate federal protection for the grey wolf before its too late.