In 2021, the administration under President Donald Trump made a significant decision, relinquishing national protections for wolves and delegating management responsibilities to individual states. Recently, officials in Oregon made a notable announcement offering a reward of $50,000 for any valuable information leading to the arrest related to the deaths of three endangered gray wolves.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the tragic incident occurred last year east of Bly, a rural community in southern Oregon. On December 29th, the digital collars of two wolves emitted mortality signals, prompting the discovery by Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division troopers. Regrettably, all three wolves, including an adult female of breeding age and an adolescent, were found deceased, with one wolf not wearing a collar.
The deceased wolves were identified as members of the Gearhart Mountain Pack, and the incident took place in an area known for wolf activity spanning across Klamath and Lake counties. However, the exact circumstances surrounding their deaths have not been disclosed.
Gray wolves, the majestic species belonging to the canidae family, once roamed freely across the United States but suffered a sharp decline due to predator-control measures in the 1900s. Their plight led to their listing as endangered in the western two-thirds of Oregon. Although they were once abundant throughout the nation, their numbers dwindled drastically, prompting their classification as endangered in the U.S. and Mexico in 1978.
The protection and management of wolves remain contentious issues, sparking heated debates and differing opinions. The decision by the Trump administration to remove national protections stirred controversy, leading to a shift in management to individual states. Furthermore, recent events in Colorado highlight the ongoing debate, with the reintroduction of five gray wolves in the Rocky Mountains as part of a voter-approved program. While supported by many urban residents, the move faced strong opposition from rural communities, particularly farmers and ranchers concerned about livestock safety.