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/

 
The following are the links to organizations, or businesses that are a part of the coalition. If you would like me to add a link to your organization, just drop me an email and I will be glad to post it up. The business does not have to be hunting related to be posted.


Oregon Firearms Federation          http://www.oregonfirearms.org/
National Animal Interest Alliance   http://naiaonline.org/
Pack Goats & Bears http://www.huntingwithpackgoats.com/Spring_Bear.html
Winners Choice Strings                  http://www.winnerschoicestrings.com/
Motion Targets                                http://www.motiontargets.com/
Hunting Simulation Organization   http://www.huntingsimulation.com/
Dave Smith Decoys                         http://davesmithdecoys.com/shop/
Bow Hunters of Alabama                http://www.alabamabowhunter.com/news/
The Bow Rack                                 http://www.thebowrack.com/
Elk Country Adventures                   http://www.elkcountryadventures.com/        
Lockwood Hunting Services            http://www.lockwoodhuntingservices.com/ 
Never Guess Range Finders            http://neverguessrangefinders.com/         
Oregon Hunters Association           http://www.oregonhunters.org/