The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) issued a lethal removal permit today for the Chesnimnus wolf pack area. The permit allows one wolf to be killed by the private livestock producer. However, ODFW has retained authorization to kill another wolf if there are more depredations.
There were three confirmed livestock depredations – all injured calves – in a three-day period from the same private livestock producer. The current status of the Chesnimnus Pack is unknown. The latest wolf count confirmed three individuals, but there may be new wolves moving into the area.
Quinn Read, Northwest director for Defenders of Wildlife, issued this statement:
“We are doing everything in our power to avoid this conflict ending in the death of wolves. Our staff is in contact with biologists and landowners in the area, offering advice on the most effective nonlethal strategies to halt this escalation.
“With the grazing season just beginning, we urge all livestock producers to be vigilant with their use of nonlethal methods. These tools are the most effective way to prevent conflicts, and will allow humans, livestock and wolves to coexist on our Oregonian landscape this grazing season and beyond.”
Defenders of Wildlife is celebrating 75 years of protecting all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With a nationwide network of nearly 2.2 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit defenders.org/newsroom and follow us on Twitter @Defenders.
