Poaching, suspicious deaths raise concern for Oregon gray wolf population

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is showing concern over the number of confirmed poaching incidents and suspicious deaths of gray wolves in the state within the last year.

A new report released Thursday from the Oregon Wolf Conservation and Management shows the state's wolf population did not grow at all in 2023, remaining at 178 at the end of the year. This is first year of zero annual growth in 16 years, according to ODFW. The growth from 175 to 178 between 2021 and 2022 was also not much of an improvement, with the Center for Biological Diversity calling the stunted growth "a tragedy."

Additional highlights from the report note a total of 36 known wolf deaths in 2023, with 12 known to have been killed illegally. While one killing was allegedly in self-defense when a hunter claimed to fear for his life back in November, others involved several cases in which wolves were poisoned.

Furthermore, three wolves were discovered dead near Bly in February and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Officials is still offering a $50,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest of those responsible.

“The amount of poaching and other suspicious deaths is alarming, impacts our conservation goals and could affect our ability to manage wolves in Oregon,” said Bernadette Graham-Hudson, ODFW wildlife division administrator.  

Eight other wolves were also killed in Oregon in 2023 for repeatedly preying on livestock, officials say. While the ODFW has outlined in its “Wolf Plan” that it aims to facilitate the conservation and management needs of the state’s growing population, while also appeasing the concerns of local farmers, it has proven challenging in northeastern Oregon in terms of managing wolf-livestock conflict. The report claims that, despite the use of non-lethal methods, livestock depredation increased by 27%.

ODFW is continually working with Oregon State Police, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement and the Protect Oregon's Wildlife- Turn In Poachers partnership team to address the growing population concerns. 

As wolves are protected throughout Oregon, it is illegal to shoot one, except in defense of human life. Report any incident with a wolf to the police or ODFW (541) 963-2138.