Oregon
Police seek public’s help after collared wolf shot dead in Oregon
Dire wolves had their first playdate
The three dire wolves created using fossil DNA had their first official hang just months before their first birthday.
The Oregon State Police and Wildlife Division is seeking the public’s help after a collared wolf from eastern Oregon’s Desolation Pack was found dead in Grant County earlier this month.
The male wolf was discovered the morning of May 18 near Desolation Meadow on public land next to U.S. Forest Service Road 10, about 3.25 miles northwest of Olive Lake, police said in a release.
Investigators said the wolf appeared to have died from a gunshot wound.
A preliminary investigation found the wolf was likely shot sometime between the late evening hours of May 14 and the early morning of May 15. Investigators believe the wolf may have been shot from the roadway.
The investigation involves the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
OSP said rewards are available for information tied to illegal wolf killings. That includes up to $600 through the Oregon Hunters Association and between $10,000 to $11,500 through the Oregon Wildlife Coalition, depending on where the killing occurred.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the “Turn In Poachers” hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or dial OSP (677) from a mobile phone. People can also email TIP@osp.oregon.gov.
Anonymous tips are allowed. Investigators asked callers to reference case number SP26-160166.
Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval is a lifelong Oregonian who covers trending news, entertainment, food and outdoors. She can be reached at GSandoval@statesmanjournal.com or on X at @GinnieSandoval.