By Andy Porter
Authorities are asking the public’s help in the death of two wolves in Wallowa County.
In a release, the Oregon State Police said the wolves were found dead the week of Aug. 24 in the Sled Springs area, north of the city of Wallowa. The cause of death is still under investigation, said OSP Senior Trooper Kreg Coggins
State police and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife personnel discovered the deaths after a radio tracking collar on one wolf, a female named OR21, emitted a mortality signal. The collared wolf and a male she had been observed with were found within 50 yards of each other.
According to the ODFW, the female wolf went to the Sled Springs area after leaving the Wenaha Pack in October 2014. Since that time she paired with the male wolf and remained in the area. The wolves were known as the Sled Springs pair and their territory was designated as an Area of Known Wolf Activity in January.
The state police and ODFW are asking anyone who may have information about the death of the wolves to contact Coggins at (541) 426-3049 or call the TIP Hotline at 1-800-452-7888. Information can also be emailed to TIP@state.or.us.