Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Wolves chow down on calf


A ODFW worker studies an immobilized wolf from the Imnaha Pack in February 2015. Photo: ODFW
A ODFW worker studies an immobilized wolf from the Imnaha Pack in February 2015. Photo: ODFW
SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife says its experts have confirmed that a 500-pound steer calf was killed by wolves from the Imnaha pack last week. The calf’s skeleton and hide were mostly intact. All internal organs and nearly all muscle tissue had been consumed. ODFW estimates the slaughter by wolves took place a day or two before they arrived on the scene Wednesday.
The carcass was found on a grassland pasture on private land in the Upper Swamp Creek area of Wallowa County. Investigators found bite marks similar to wolves. They surveyed the kill scene which extended at least 25 yards upslope. In addition, wolf tracks and wolf scat clearly indicated depredation, according to the official report.
Two wolves were observed by the livestock producer about 400 yards from the carcass. Also, four wolves from the Imnaha pack were observed later in the day approximately three miles from the dead calf.
This is the first confirmed act of depredation by the Imnaha pack this year.


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