Oregon sees surge in wolf attacks on livestock in Eastern Oregon
(Update: Adding video)
MORROW COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon wildlife officials have confirmed a new series of wolf attacks on livestock in Eastern Oregon, marking one of the state's busiest years for wolf depredation investigations. The rise in attacks comes as Oregon's wolf population has seen record numbers and rapid increases.
In early November, two 7-month-old calves were killed in separate incidents on private ranchland in Morrow County, attributed to the Madison Butte Pack. These attacks are part of over a dozen reported in Umatilla, Wallowa, Grant, Baker, and Morrow counties, affecting both calves and adult cows.
KTVZ News has done reports on other wolf depredations, like Wolf 158, which was eventually euthanized after over a dozen kills, prompting anger from the Southern Oregon Family Farm affected.
Biologists investigated the two kills on November 5, estimating one calf died about two days prior and the second within the previous 24 hours. Several attacks have resulted in injured animals requiring veterinary care or euthanasia.
Statewide, wolf depredations have averaged around 70 investigated incidents per year since 2021. However, 2025 is expected to exceed this average, with final counts to be released next spring. ODFW encourages non-lethal deterrents, such as removing livestock carcasses, increasing human presence, using fladry or temporary fencing, and installing alarm or light-based scare devices. They work directly with ranchers to identify effective tools for their land and livestock.
Though ranchers can be compensated for calves confirmed killed by wolves, the process can take time and does not cover livestock deaths that wildlife officials can’t directly verify. Ranchers say the financial hit goes far beyond a single lost animal.
A new UC Davis study estimates that a single gray wolf can cost cattle ranchers between $69K-$162K in combined direct and indirect losses. Their research finds it's largely due to lower pregnancy rates in cows and reduced weight gain in calves grazing in wolf territory. Researchers also found cattle sharing range with wolves had higher stress hormone levels, underscoring how predator presence alone can quietly erode herd health and ranch profitability over time.
A full list of recommended non-lethal protection strategies and guidance for documenting losses is available on ODFW's website.
Here is our recent story on the 2024 Wolf Management and Conservation Report.
