ODFW Removes Three From Lookout Mountain Pack

The Oregon Department of Fish And Wildlife announced Friday three wolves from the Lookout Mountain Pack were killed on private land. Investigators said the three were found near a dead calf with a depredation investigation ongoing. ODFW said initial indications point to another depredation by the Lookout Mountain pack, just four days after a confirmed depredation was discovered eight miles away.

The adult breeding male, a yearling male, and one five-month-old juvenile were removed to reduce chronic depredation and “hopefully change the pack's behavior relating to conflicts with livestock”, according to ODFW. A total of six wolves were seen during the flight operations, although there could have been others nearby in the timber.

ODFW added livestock depredations by the Lookout Mountain pack have not been deterred despite extensive non-lethal measures in place since early spring, and the lethal removal of two wolves from the pack in early August. By targeting the breeding male, ODFW hopes to still allow the breeding female to raise any remaining juveniles.

Reducing the number of juveniles she will need to feed increases the likelihood that some will survive.

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