Gray Wolves in Oregon
Deliberate efforts to eradicate the wolf population in Oregon were successful by the late 1940’s. By 1999, Idaho’s wolf population would spill over Oregon’s borders. The first sighting of a Gray Wolf in Oregon came in 1999, near the John Day River. This wolf was subsequently captured and relocated back to Idaho. By 2006, reports of wolf siting came flooding in from residence of Eastern Oregon. A confirmation would come in May 2007, when a wolf was found shot outside of Le Grande.
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has trained biologists, who help monitor wolf populations. The biologists collect samples from wolves to monitor the overall health of the wolf, and to determine its lifestyle in terms of food source, age, diseases, gender etc. Tracking collars are placed on some wolves to help monitor that individual animal, as well as assist in monitoring the pack. ODFW, also monitors the Gray Wolf population throughout the state by employing game cameras. These are set up to help document and track specific wolf packs.
Oregon’s minimum wolf population is determined at the end of each calendar year and is based on wolves that ODFW staff have verified through direct evidence. The actual number of wolves in Oregon is likely greater than the minimum count. Wolf packs are ever changing and rarely stay the same size. Pack numbers vary throughout the year as a result of subadults dispersing, as well as births and deaths within the packs.
Wolves help support the food chain, by keeping other populations in check such as elk, deer, and antelope. This was seen with the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone. To keep Oregon’s ecosystem healthy and diverse Gray Wolves are essential.
