By Steve Tool
Wallowa County Chieftain
OR-42, a female wolf of the Chesnimnus pack, was found dead by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife employees during an aerial survey over northern Wallowa County earlier this month. The wolf’s radio collar had emitted a mortality signal. Employees later picked up the wolf, which had been collared in June 2016, according to ODFW media representative Michelle Dennehy.
A preliminary forensic examination did not indicate a specific cause of death, and no foul play is suspected. However, the death is under investigation and laboratory tests are being conducted.
ODFW had counted OR-42 as part of eight breeding pairs in eastern Oregon. The Chesnimnus pack now has eight members.
“Two of the sub-adult wolves have radio collars, so we can still keep track of the pack,” Dennehy said.
Officials said the death will not affect the Wolf Management Plan, which is in Phase 3.