Wolves disperse, establish new territory
A pair of wolves from northeast Oregon packs have dispersed and established new territory in Klamath and Union counties.
The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife has posted two new areas of known wolf activity after OR-25, of the Imnaha pack, traversed the state to just north of Klamath Falls, and OR-30, of the Mount Emily pack, crossed Interstate 84 between Starkey and Ukiah.
Both wolves have been in their new homes since May. OR-30’s territory includes a mix of national forest land between I-84 and Highway 395, split down the middle by Highway 244.
Once ODFW establishes an area of known wolf activity, the department works with local landowners to determine appropriate non-lethal deterrents, such as fladry fencing and range riders.
Wolves remain listed as endangered by the state in Eastern Oregon, though that could change before the end of the year. The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider whether to delist wolves during an informational briefing Oct. 9 in Florence, and a November meeting to be held in Salem. The date of the November meeting has not yet been set.
Public testimony will be taken at the meetings, but can also be emailed toodfw.comments@state.or.us. Please make sure to include “Comments on Wolf Delisting Proposal” in the subject line of emails.
Oregon has 77 known wolves and nine packs statewide, though the animals are federally listed as endangered west of highways 395, 78 and 95.
Wolves disperse, establish new territory – Local News – East Oregonian.