State Police Confirm Death of Probable Wolf Was A Crime

The Oregon State Police just sent out this alert of local interest. Note that killing a state endangered species is not a felony (only a Class A misdemeanor) in Oregon. How serious is that? While the genetic tests for wolf confirmation have not been completed, the update does strongly suggest that the animal was an endangered wolf.

Update: Investigation Into Possible Wolf Death in Union County

Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish & Wildlife Division, with the assistance of Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW), is continuing the investigation into the death of a possible wolf found mid-March in northeast Oregon's Union County. Genetic tests to confirm if the animal is a wolf are still to be completed and the ongoing investigation confirmed the death is a crime. OSP is seeking public tips to help solve the case.

On March 16, 2012 at approximately 8:30 a.m. OSP Fish & Wildlife Senior Trooper Kris Davis received a call regarding the discovery of a possible deceased wolf on private property about 6 miles north of Cove, Oregon. Davis and Sergeant Isaac Cyr responded and contacted the property owner and person who reported finding the deceased animal to Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife that morning.

After taking possession of the 97-pound animal, OSP took it to a local veterinarian for x-rays. The initial examination didn't confirm a cause of death. A necropsy confirmed the cause of death was the result of a criminal act. The actual cause is not being released at this time but the investigation indicates the animal [an earlier update said "the wolf"] had been dead about one week.

Wolves are protected by the state Endangered Species Act throughout Oregon. Except in the defense of human life or with a special permit, it is unlawful to kill a wolf. Doing so is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine up to $6,250.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Shttp://www.blogger.com/enior Trooper Kris Davis at (541) 963-7175 ext. 4673 or email kris.davis@state.or.us.

### www.oregon.gov/OSP ###

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See Also:

Oregon Wild: Oregon Wild Press Statement on Likely Wolf Poaching

Sneak Cat Blog: Oregon State Police confirm animal believed to be a wolf killed in March a “criminal act”

State police seek tips on who killed wolf in northeastern Oregon's Union County
Published: Wednesday, May 02, 2012, 10:44 AM