Defenders of Wildlife is deeply concerned by the news regarding the illegal killing of a breeding gray wolf male near Sisters, Oregon. Gray wolves are listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act in the western two-thirds of Oregon, where this poaching occurred.
"Oregon holds a unique responsibility to manage and protect its wolf population given the endangered status throughout most of the state, and this tragic moment and illegal act must be met with consequences,” said Joseph Vaile, senior representative of the Northwest program at Defenders of Wildlife. “If this kind of behavior goes unchecked, the state will never reach its recovery goals under the state’s wolf management plan. Defenders is committed to giving this American icon its best chance at thriving throughout its historical range."
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a $10,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest, criminal conviction or civil penalty assessment.
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For over 75 years, Defenders of Wildlife has remained dedicated to protecting all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With a nationwide network of nearly 2.1 million members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on X @Defenders.
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