Oregon’s wolf population continues to grow and spread into new areas, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s latest report but more wolves mean additional threats to livestock and more wolf killings.
The report documents at least 230 wolves in the state as of the end of last year, 26 more than the year before. However, 14% of the known population was killed last year, largely due to concerns they were preying on livestock.
Sally Compton, executive director of the advocacy group Think Wild Central Oregon, said federal cuts have limited the implementation of more nonlethal means of protecting livestock.
“Anytime you see these numbers where the wolf populations are increasing and depredations are increasing, what about the resources that we’re offering for both the wolves and the landholders?” Compton asked. “Unfortunately, we’re actually seeing a decline in that in real time.”
Compton explained there are many effective ways to keep wolves away from livestock, including fencing, hazing and removing cattle carcasses which attract wolves. All take energy and time, so collaborating with volunteers and other organizations to get the work done is key, she stressed.
Compton noted with the passage of Oregon’s 1.25% for Wildlife bill, which boosts the state’s Transient Lodging Tax, some help is on the way for wolves and landowners alike.
“Part of this funding will provide support for additional coexistence staff for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife,” Compton pointed out. “We’re hoping that part of that can be with wolf coexistence.”
The new law will also provide funding for counties for nonlethal wolf management grants and for compensation grants for landholders. She emphasized the bill was a bipartisan effort, supported by conservation groups as well as the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association.
