Defenders of Wildlife Calls for Increased Poaching Protections as Oregon’s Wolf Population Stalls

For the second time since wolves returned to Oregon in 2009, the population has not grown, according to the recently released 2021 annual report  from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. 

After a year that saw a significant increase in poaching incidents, including the poisoning of an entire pack, Oregon’s wolf population stalled at 175 wolves, only two more than the 2020 minimum count. 

“We are extremely concerned that Oregon’s wolf recovery efforts are not adequately addressing threats like poaching,” said Zoe Hanley , Northwest representative for Defenders of Wildlife. “This year’s report is a call to action for agencies like the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Oregon State Police to recognize the severity of poaching incidents and take additional steps to protect Oregon’s vulnerable gray wolves.”

Additionally, in 2021, eight wolves were killed in lethal control actions, and four were killed in vehicle collisions. The majority of known wolf deaths occurred in the eastern portion of Oregon where wolves are not federally protected by the Endangered Species Act.