For Release on     July 21, 2008

Contact:  Russ Morgan, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife,
        (541) 963-2138
  Michelle Dennehy, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, (503) 947-6022
  Rick Hargrave, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, (503) 947-6020
  Gary Miller, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (541) 962-8509
   Joan Jewett, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, (503) 231-6121

 

LA GRANDE, Ore.—A wolf pack that includes both adults and pups was
confirmed in a forested area of northern Union County on Friday, the first
evidence of multiple wolves and wolf reproduction in Oregon since wolves
were extirpated from the state back in the mid-1940s.

Wildlife biologists conducting a howling survey heard the howls of both
adults and pups simultaneously. The exact number of wolves was not
determined, but at least two adults and two pups were heard.

Wolf sign has been observed infrequently in this area since November and
biologists have been conducting regular surveys of the area since.

State and federal biologists will continue to monitor the area to determine
the level of wolf activity. They may also try to capture and radio-collar
the wolves for monitoring.

Experts have long predicted that wolves from the expanding Idaho population
would continue to cross the Snake River and enter Oregon. Biologists have
been investigating evidence of wolves in northeast Oregon for some time.

ODFW and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials remind the public it is
illegal to shoot a wolf, even one mistaken for another animal such as a
coyote. Any gray wolf in Oregon is listed as an endangered species under
both state and federal law. (While wolves in the eastern third of Oregon
were de-listed form the federal ESA in late March 2008, last week U.S.
District Judge Donald Molloy granted a preliminary injunction that restored
federal wolf protections.)

Killing an animal protected under the federal Endangered Species Act is
punishable by a fine of up to $100,000, one year in jail, or both. Killing
a wolf is also a violation of Oregon state game law, with fines and
penalties that are assessed by the court.

Individuals who see a wolf, or suspect or discover wolf activity are asked
to immediately contact one of the following:
•     Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Wolf Coordinator Russ Morgan
in La Grande: 541-963-2138
•     U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wolf Coordinator John Stephenson:
cell, 541-786-3282.
•     U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service La Grande Field Office: 541-962-8584.

Wolf sightings can also be reported online through ODFW’s wolf Web site.

Oregon has a Wolf Conservation and Management Plan, created with extensive,
state-wide public input and collaboration, which was adopted by the Fish
and Wildlife Commission in 2005. More information on wolves and wolf
management in Oregon is available on the website:
www.dfw.state.or.us/wolves/

   Note: No photos of the wolf pack are available, but photos of a wolf
        observed back in January in northeast Oregon are available.

 

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