Biologists say wolves are spreading into Oregon -without conflict

[depakid]

---------------

As more and more gray wolves arrive in the state, Oregonians are gradually recognizing that the once-native predators may find ways to live in Oregon without stirring up the conflict or trouble some had feared, a state biologist says.

"People are beginning to understand that if there are wolves around, even multiple wolves or a breeding pair like we have now, bad things aren't automatically happening," said Russ Morgan, the state biologist handling wolf issues for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

He was one of several speakers at a weekend conference at Portland's Concordia University that sought to bring rural and urban interests together to discuss a future for wolves in Oregon.

Agricultural leaders also spoke about the restrictions they face under the Endangered Species Act, which now protects wolves.

Wolves were exterminated from Oregon decades ago to make the state safe for livestock. But they are now spreading back into the state from Idaho, where the federal government released wolves in 1995 to launch a recovery program for the species.

Morgan documented at least one breeding pair of Oregon wolves with pups in the Wenaha region north of La Grande last summer. There is also strong evidence of multiple wolves - though no pups - in at least two other areas: eastern Baker County near the Idaho border and western Union County along the Grande Ronde River, he said.

He also said that within the last year a new wolf pack has taken up residence in Idaho immediately across the Snake River from Oregon. The river has not proved to be much of an obstacle for wolves heading west to Oregon.

The number of reported wolf sightings in Oregon has increased from 42 in 2006 to 140 so far this year, Morgan said. He expects to receive more than 200 by the end of the year.

"These people are calling up and saying, 'Wow, it's the coolest thing I ever saw,'" he said. "I hear that quite a lot."

More: http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/11/biologists_say_wolves_are_spre.html

[BrklynLiberal]

1. That is wonderful news...and that is a magnificent picture.

If for no other reason, I am glad that the barracuda lost because of her attitude toward wolves.
I hope she goes down in flames....

[villager]

2. As Neil Gaiman once wrote about wolf reintroduction:

"Yes. Oh yes. Oh God yes."