Eric Mortenson
Oregon officials have recorded the first reported attack on livestock protection dogs.
Wolves killed eight sheep and injured two flock protection dogs in consecutive night attacks in Northeast Oregon.
A news release from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said it was first time protection dogs have been injured by wolves. A third dog was missing.
The Sept. 15 and 16 attacks were blamed on the Mt. Emily pack, one of eight documented packs in Oregon. They were the first attributed to the Mt. Emily pack, which at the end of 2013 was known to have at least four members.
The attacks happened on public land in a grazing allotment. ODFW is working with the sheep producer to increase deterrent measures and will coordinate with other livestock owners and landowners in the area, according to the news release.
ODFW did not identify the producer or provide additional details.