Gray wolves once existed throughout Oregon; however, removal began shortly after European settlement. A wolf pack that includes both adults and pups was confirmed in a
forested area of northern Union County in July 2008, the first evidence of
multiple wolves and wolf reproduction in Oregon since wolves were
extirpated from the state back in the mid-1940s. Known packs are now inhabiting the northeastern portion of Oregon. Wolves continue to be controversial, and public attitudes vary. Main
prey for wolves there are elk, moose and deer. Range
lines are not depicted, see map below.
Wolf OR-13 (black fur) and wolf OR-14 (grayish fur); Image courtesy of ODFW
Species
Common Name: gray wolf, northwestern wolf, Rocky Mountain wolf
Latin Name:
Canis lupus
Location: eastern Oregon
Current Wolf Population, Trend, Status
Number of gray wolves: 29 (12/2011)
Population trend: Increasing
Legal status: State managed in the eastern third of the state as of May 5, 2011. Federally protected in all other areas.
