by RALPH MAUGHAN
Result is typical split between those who benefit from tourists versus agricultural traditions-
With wolf sightings on the decline in Yellowstone, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana as their populations are decimated as a matter of policy, it is hardly a surprise that those who want to see wolves are now beginning to seek out Eastern Oregon where wolf numbers are growing pretty fast. Wolves are also now more accessible to folks who live in Portland, Bend, Eugene, etc.
It appears that many of those who are not in agriculture, especially not in livestock, are enjoying the growing number of wolf tourists. Those who hold to “traditional” agricultural values, find the presence of wolves alarming. This is the same pattern as played out around Yellowstone Park, etc. The livestock industry strives to maintain a stranglehold over the rural and small town economy.
Yes, the livestock folks can be quite aggressive toward those locals who disagree with them. Folks may recall our Eastern Oregon story from 2011. Social conflict disguised as conflict over wolves heats up in NE Oregon.
The details of wolf tourism in Eastern Oregon are discussed in this Oregon Business article.