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The goal of Oregon’s Wolf Conservation and Management Plan (Wolf Plan) is to ensure the conservation of gray wolves as required by Oregon law while protecting the social and economic interests of all Oregonians. Minimizing wolf-livestock conflict and reducing livestock losses to wolves is an important part of the Wolf Plan.
Download ODFW Wolves/Livestock General Information (pdf)
Management status of wolves varies across Oregon based on location (see map). East of Hwys 395-78-95, ODFW is the lead management agency and manages wolves under the Wolf Plan and associated administrative rules. West of Hwys 395-78-95 wolves are federally listed as endangered, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the lead management agency and decides the appropriate response to livestock depredation by wolves. Except for decisions about harassment and lethal removal, wolves in the ODFW West Wolf Management Zone (West of Hwys 97-20-395) are managed under Phase I of the Wolf Plan. Wolves in the East Management Zone (East of Hwys 97-20-395) are managed under Phase III of the Wolf Plan.
Learn to recognize wolf sign and investigate changes in livestock behavior. There are many causes for changes in livestock herd temperament. If you detect changes (e.g., bunching animals, animals breaking through fences, livestock reacting around working dogs) take the time to look for wolf sign. Please report any wolf sign or sightings to the online reporting system or your local ODFW field office. Wildlife managers regularly share information with livestock producers when there is resident wolf activity in their area.
Livestock producers, in all areas of Oregon, are encouraged to haze or scare (by making loud noises for example) a wolf away from their livestock as long as the actions do not harm or injure the wolf (pursuit is not allowed). Additional options are available east of Hwys 395-78-95.
If you believe a wolf has killed or injured livestock, take the following steps:
- Do not move or disturb evidence.
- Preserve wolf tracks, hair or scat by covering with plywood, weighted-down empty coffee cans or other material that won’t ruin the evidence.
- Cover the carcass or any remains with a secured tarp to preserve them.
- Call your local ODFW office or USDA Wildlife Services (541-963-7947) or a county official immediately so an investigation can determine if wolves were involved.
- Please note that ODFW must confirm that an incident is a wolf kill or injury in order to receive compensation under the ODA Compensation Program, or to authorize the lethal removal of wolves east of Hwys 395-78-95.
ODFW, USFWS, and USDA Wildlife Services can provide technical assistance and non-lethal tools to help minimize wolf-livestock conflicts in many situations. Supplies such as fladry, fencing, and RAG devices may be available, as well as funding for carcass removal projects, range riders, and other non-lethal tools and practices. Producers are encouraged to contact their local ODFW office to determine funding and supply availability for their area.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture implements Oregon’s Wolf Depredation Compensation and Financial Assistance Grant Program. Participating counties form local committees which then apply for grants to compensate producers for wolf-caused losses as well as non-lethal measures. Information for this program is available by contacting your local compensation committee or the ODA Animal Health and Identification Division at (503) 986-4680. |