By Eric Mortenson
Capital Press
New wolf pack may be responsible for killing a calf in Northeastern Oregon.
A previously unknown wolf pack may be responsible for killing a calf in the Cougar Creek area north of Enterprise in northeastern Oregon, state wildlife officials say.
The attack, confirmed by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife investigators July 17, took place in the Wallowa Whitman National Forest about 30 miles north of Enterprise. At least two or three wolves were in area, which has had “irregular” reports of wolf activity, according to an ODFW news release. The investigation marks the first evidence that more than a single wolf is using the area.
ODFW will attempt to learn more about the wolves and put tracking collars on them.
Meanwhile, the department said a recently collared wolf, OR-26, has paired up and probably has produced pups in the southern portion of the Mount Emily Unit in Umatilla County. The department has designated the site as an area of “known wolf activity.” Repeated use of an area most likely means a pack has formed and the wolves present are not simply passing through.