NE Oregon ranchers press state for OK to kill wolf pack

PENDLETON, Ore. (AP) – Northeast Oregon ranchers are again seeking to eradicate the entire Pine Creek wolf pack from Baker County after the predators attacked livestock for the third time in just over a week.

The East Oregonian reports that the most recent incident was confirmed Sunday in Halfway. A 125-pound calf was found dead, with bite marks on its hind legs and fresh wolf tracks at the scene.

GPS collar data also shows that two members of the Pine Creek pack were within a mile of the carcass earlier that morning.

The pack is now responsible for killing five calves and wounding four others at two different ranches since April 6.

The state has already issued one lethal take permit for up to two wolves from the Pine Creek pack.

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Information from: East Oregonian, http://www.eastoregonian.com