The Wenaha wolf pack in Northeast Oregon has produced at least two pups this season. ODFW confirmed the news this afternoon. They appear to the first pups born to the Wenaha pack.
And there’s some good news to report on Oregon’s other wolf pack. After being missing for almost three months, the alpha male of the Imnaha pack has been located.
This adult male from Wenaha pack was fitted with a radio collar on Aug. 4, 2010. ODFW photo.
The Wenaha Pups
ODFW says Wolf Coordinator Russ Morgan captured the pups on Friday. They were weighed and measured, appeared to be in good health, and then released. Although Morgan trapped two pups, it’s possible there are more. ODFW believes the Wenaha pack has three or four adults.
The uncertainty over the numbers shows how little we know about the Wenaha pack. That’s why ODFW was so excited a few weeks ago when one of the adults was captured and wildlife officials were able to outfit him with a tracking collar. The collar makes it much easier to monitor the pack. It may have been a big reason why ODFW was able to locate the pups.
ODFW says it will release the photos of the two Wenaha pups later today. I’ll post them as soon as I get them.
The alpha male of the Imnaha pack before receiving a collar. Photo from ODFW.
The Imnaha Alpha Male
As for the alpha male of the Imnaha pack, he’s finally been recorded on a trail camera. The image is the first we’ve seen or heard of him since May 31st. ODFW says the photo shows him wearing his tracking collar. So it’s a safe bet that the collar is broken and wasn’t able to transmit information about his location. ODFW also plans to release that photo later today.
Oregon’s Growing Wolf Population
Today’s news means that Oregon’s wolf packs have produced at least six pups this season. That brings the total number of wolves in the state from about 14 to about 20, almost a 50% increase.
There are probably a few lone wolves roaming the state, too. There were some very credible wolf sightings in the Cascades this winter near the Santiam Pass.
It’s been an incredible year for Oregon wolves.
Back in March, ODFW kicked off a six month review of the state’s Wolf Management Plan. It’s been taking comments from the public and interest groups since then. Agency staff will present proposed changes to the Fish and Wildlife Commission when it meets on September 2.
Later in the spring, wolves killed at least six calves near ranches in Wallowa County. That sparked a huge controversy over what to do when wolves kill livestock. To prevent further losses, ODFW eventually hired USDA Wildlife Services to hunt and kill two wolves in the Imnaha pack. ODFW kept extending the hunt, long after the attacks stopped. So four of the state’s environmental groups went to court and Wildlife Services agreed to stop the hunt.
Early this month, Oregon wolves were put back on the federal endangered species list. A federal judge in Montana ruled that the Obama Administration was wrong to delist wolves in Eastern Oregon, Eastern Washington, Montana and Idaho – but to keep them listed in Wyoming.
Related Stories:
What Oregonians Really Think About Their Wolves
Catch And Release. ODFW Captures Another Wolf In Northeast Oregon.
Oregon Wolves Back On The Federal Endangered Species List
PHOTOS: Four New Wolf Pups Born In Oregon
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How wonderful to receive good news about wolves!! And it is a great relief to know that the alpha male is still alive. After three months, I had given up hope. Can’t wait to see the picture of the pups!!
This is great news. These animals are so majestic and we need them back
That can be kind of a problem… What about the farmers? Once those wolves grow up they can kill the farmers livestock, thats a huge problem for the farmers. Livestock is their income. Whos gonna pay them back? Babies pups are good and all but just think of what they become when they get older.
i think wolves are a extraordinary animal! they their life,and are sooooo cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!