Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife crews wrapped up a busy month of September to a call of a dozen dead ewes in the NE corner of the state.

On Wednesday, September 29th, a sheep producer employee found three dead adult ewes in a private pastureland. Additional dead ewes were found Thursday, Friday and Monday as well. When it was all said and done, investigators say the depredation claimed a dozen adult ewes. It’s estimated the depredation took place Tuesday, September 28th.

Seven sheep were examined on 9/30/21; three on 10/1/21, and two on 10/4/21. Most of the sheep were shaved and/or skinned, and all were examined. All sheep had pre-mortem wounds. Pre-mortem hemorrhage and/or tissue trauma up to 2" deep was found on the throats of eleven sheep. Pre-mortem hemorrhage and tissue trauma up to 2 inches deep was found on the hindquarters above the hocks of eight sheep. Tooth scrapes associated with these injuries were up to 3/16 inch wide, and a set of paired canine punctures had a spacing of 1 7/8 inches.

The location, size, and severity of bite wounds are consistent with wolf attacks on sheep. This depredation event is attributed to the Balloon Tree Pack.

This was the second depredation in Union County, and the 28th statewide in September.

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