ODFW Confirms Wolf Depredation in Baker County

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has confirmed an adult cow injured in Baker County was done so by wolves.  ODFW investigators said the cow was found injured Tuesday morning on 300-acres of private pasture land.  The producer reported seeing two wolves, one of which was radio-collared, as they attended the cow.  Investigators said the injured cow had an open wound near the tail.  The cow was euthanized due to the severity of the injuries.

ODFW said the cow was attacked by members of the Pine Creek pack either late Monday evening, or early Tuesday morning.

Physical evidence and summary of findings: The hindquarters were shaved and examined. A piece of flesh was missing from next to the anus that was approximately 8 inches in length and 4 inches across. Multiple tooth scrapes up to 2 inches long and 1/8 inch wide were found near the base of the tail at the edge of the open wound showing clear evidence of attack from a predator. Paired bite marks with approximately 1 7/8 inch spacing were also found.

A chase scene was found less than 1/2 mile away from where the cow was first located. Running/sliding/whirling cow tracks were found in the wet soil accompanied by wolf tracks. Blood was found on the ground and vegetation at the attack site.

This marks the 3^rd confirmed depredation of the year in Oregon.

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