BEND, OR -- About a dozen conservation groups are protesting the Oregon
Department of Fish and Wildlife's decision in May to kill two gray wolves
responsible for killing livestock in the northeast portion of the state. The
groups say there are non-lethal methods to keep the wolves away from domestic
animals. Wally Sykes, an wolf advocate with Northeast Oregon Ecosystems, said
those who have installed fladry fencing have reported good results.
"This usually stops wolves. So, whereas last year there were quite a few calf deaths in the calving areas, this year there were none. Wherever there was fladry, there was no wolf depredation. So, that was a big improvement."
The groups also say ODFW has granted more kill permits to ranchers and farmers than wolves that are in the state. They say these permits should be revoked, and that wolf recovery be the top priority. ODFW's Michelle Dennehy said the agency does not intend to revoke these permits, and notes they are only given to people who are also using non-lethal methods to keep cattle safe.
"Ranchers have the right to kill a cougar that's damaging their livestock, or to kill a bear, or to kill a coyote. With wolves, without this permit, they can't do anything to protect their property. And we believe it's important to give them a tool to protect their property."
Source
"This usually stops wolves. So, whereas last year there were quite a few calf deaths in the calving areas, this year there were none. Wherever there was fladry, there was no wolf depredation. So, that was a big improvement."
The groups also say ODFW has granted more kill permits to ranchers and farmers than wolves that are in the state. They say these permits should be revoked, and that wolf recovery be the top priority. ODFW's Michelle Dennehy said the agency does not intend to revoke these permits, and notes they are only given to people who are also using non-lethal methods to keep cattle safe.
"Ranchers have the right to kill a cougar that's damaging their livestock, or to kill a bear, or to kill a coyote. With wolves, without this permit, they can't do anything to protect their property. And we believe it's important to give them a tool to protect their property."
Source
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