ODFW Confirms Five Wolf Attacks in Eastern Oregon

Livestock losses in Baker and Wallowa Counties linked to known and unknown wolf packs

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has reported five confirmed wolf depredation incidents in Baker and Wallowa Counties during February 2026, resulting in the deaths of five animals and injuries to five others. The attacks occurred on private land pastures and involved both adult and young livestock, with the Black Pines Pack and Grouse Flats Pack identified as responsible for some of the incidents.

Why it matters

Wolf populations in Oregon have been a source of ongoing tension between wildlife advocates, ranchers, and state officials. These latest confirmed attacks highlight the continued challenges of managing wolf-livestock conflicts, especially on private lands where much of the state's livestock production occurs.

The details

The five confirmed depredations occurred across several private land pastures in the Crow Creek, Keating, Grouse Flats, and Paradise areas of the two counties. The attacks resulted in the deaths of one adult sheep, one yearling cow, and one 9-month-old calf, as well as injuries to five additional adult sheep. The Black Pines Pack and Grouse Flats Pack were identified as responsible for some of the incidents, while others involved unknown wolf groups.

  • On February 1, a single adult sheep was killed in a Wallowa County pasture.
  • On February 3, a yearling cow was killed in a Baker County pasture by the Black Pines Pack.
  • On February 4, a yearling cow was killed in a Wallowa County pasture by the Grouse Flats Pack.
  • On February 12, a 9-month-old calf was killed in a Wallowa County pasture by the Grouse Flats Pack.
  • On February 16, one adult sheep was killed and five were injured in a Wallowa County pasture by an unknown wolf group.

The players

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

The state agency responsible for managing wildlife, including wolf populations, in Oregon.

Black Pines Pack

A known wolf pack in eastern Oregon that was confirmed responsible for one of the depredation incidents.

Grouse Flats Pack

A known wolf pack in eastern Oregon that was confirmed responsible for two of the depredation incidents.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to work with ranchers and communities to find ways to coexist with wolves while also protecting livestock.”

— Roberta Chen, Wildlife Biologist, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (elkhornmediagroup.com)

What’s next

ODFW officials stated they will continue monitoring the wolf packs involved and work with affected ranchers to implement additional non-lethal deterrents and preventative measures to reduce future livestock losses.

The takeaway

These latest confirmed wolf attacks underscore the ongoing challenges of managing the state's growing wolf population and the need for collaborative solutions that balance the interests of wildlife conservation and livestock production in rural Oregon communities.