Oregon wolf killed by officials

Just days after the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) issued a kill permit for two wolves in Baker County, one wolf was shot by department staff. The staff who were already in the area hazing wolves shot and killed an uncollared yearling female wolf of the Pine Creek Pack on April 10. She was shot on the private land where livestock depredations occurred. Although the rancher requested full pack removal, ODFW only authorized the take of two animals at this time. The permit authorized the producer and ODFW staff to kill up to two wolves on the private property he leases where the depredations occurred, when his livestock is present. The permit expires on May 4. The ODFW confirmed wolf attacks and cattle losses on April 6 and 7 in the Fourmile Creek area of Baker County. The ODFW report shows collared wolves OR50 and OR57 of the Pine Creek Pack were in the area, with OR50 being present near both incidents. On April 6, one dead calf and two injured calves were found; the following day, riders found five injured calves and one injured cow; one of the calves was euthanized due to its injuries. This producer had delayed turning out his cattle and before he did, he and range riders watched for wolf activity but saw none. — WLJ