With Oregon’s growing population of wolves, wolf-cattle encounters are increasing. Two hours south of Bend at Fort Klamath, four cattle have been killed by wolves, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The killings occurred on private ranch land. Should ranchers be allowed to protect their herds – even by killing wolves? Listen below.
This article appears in Oct 19-26, 2016.
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Most livestock depredations are a people management/livestock management issue. The current incentive/reward dynamic for depredation loss and lethal wolf removal encourages non-vigilant livestock management. Most depredations are the consequences of poor livestock management, and the failure to remove attractants (sick, weak, or deceased livestock). If, and when the wolf population needs intervention/population management, it should be based on preserving strong genetic diversity to regions, and preserving the strong, healthy wolves in the region. If producers knew wolf depredation would not lead to lethal removal of wolves, and loss reimbursement, there would be much less depredation. If producers knew they would receive reward/support for consistent, effective non-lethal deterrence we would see those preventative behaviors increase.
I for one believe we should be allowed to kill wolves, they need to be controlled.
I live in Eastern Oregon, where the wolves have been reintroduced apparently.
However these wolves now rooming in our backyard are not the wolves that were originally here. They are Canadian wolves, they are also a much bigger breed of wolf. Unless I’m incorrect that makes them an invasive species.
I’m uncertain of why this is such a good thing….considering just recently a neighbor of mine has had wolves kill 2 of his livestock within a mile of his home. His herd is not very large and losing any effects his families income.
Also an acquaint of mine had wolves come up to his house when he drove to town to the store real quick. By the time he came back his two dogs that were on chains in the back yard of his home were dead. All that was left of them were their heads still attached to the collars and chains.
I just want to know if all are aware of the impact that the introduction of Canadian wolves are having in the rural areas in Oregon.
I haven’t even begun to tell you about the recent decline of our deer and elk populations, that is due strickly to the introduction of this species.
I don’t understand why we are aloud by law to manage almost every other species of animal in Oregon, that are considered a game animal but wolves….?
Please if you if anyone can explain to me why Canadian wolves being introduced into Oregon is a good thing I would very much appreciate it. Thank you for your time.
Melissa A Hogan
Elgin, Oregon
melissahogan@mycwi.cc
I believe that killing wolves must stay illegal. Otherwise, it would lead to disruption in the ecosystem. Evidence of this is supported by the ban and restoration of gray wolves in Yellowstone national park. When wolves were banned, elk population rose dramatically causing overgrazing. Many species were severely affected. Restoring wolves back balanced the ecosystem and Yellowstone recovered. Similar cases may occur if wolves are killed in Oregon. Killing them might help protect cattle, but its not worth ruining the entire ecosystem. Few species of wolves are already endangered, so killing them what so ever wouldn’t be justifiable. Besides, wolves should not be blamed for one’s poor livestock management.
Neerav Ankem
Pleasanton, CA
neeravankem@gmail.com