FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oregon Wild Press Statement on Likely Wolf Poaching

Conservation group expresses concern over poaching places responsibility on those who foster environment of fear and hysteria

Two months after announcing the discovery of a possible wolf carcass, state announces the animal was illegally killed.

Several wolves have been illegally killed since they began recovering in Oregon in the late 1990's including this wolf from the Wenaha Pack in the fall of 2010. The state has yet to prosecute anyone. (photo courtesy ODFW)

Earlier today, Oregon State Police released information confirming that the dead animal found two months ago in Union County was in fact illegally killed.

Since wolves began to return to Oregon in the late 1990's, several have been killed by poachers. Despite offers of rewards from conservationists, no one has been brought to justice. Today's news also comes on the heels of highly publicized wolf poachings in Washington and Idaho.

The most recent confirmed wolf poaching in Oregon occurred in the fall of 2010. Our press statement on that incident is here and a press release on the offered reward is here. Below is a response from Rob Klavins, Oregon Wild's Wildlands and Wildlife Advocate.

We are saddened today by the news of another likely wolf poaching in Union County. Most Oregonians value native wildlife and welcome the return of wolves. Sadly, for some, old prejudices die hard. Radical anti-wildlife activists who whip up anti-wolf hysteria bear responsibility for such wasteful and despicable acts.

The individuals and organizations responsible for creating an environment of hysteria and fear should take a look in the mirror and consider tamping down their rhetoric. We urge the state to act swiftly to bring the perpetrators to justice and set a tone for the public that ensures anyone tempted to illegally kill endangered wildlife knows they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

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