In a hotly debated vote in Beaver State, Oregon decided to de-list gray wolves as an endangered species. With outcry from conservation groups who want to keep the protection for the wolves in place, and ranchers who say the wolves kill livestock and threaten their livelihood, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission voted 4-2 in favor of lifting the wolves endangered status.
According to Russ Morgan, wolf coordinator at Oregon Fish and Wildlife, “In the past seven years, Oregon has gone from no known wolves, to resident and reproducing wolves.” Wolf population has grown to a current count of 81.
In this video, a wild wolf is spotted by a Fish and Wildlife ranger communicating with its pack. At the time this footage was gathered, less than 50 known wolves populated the area.
Conservation groups are concerned that the removal of the endangered species protection, and the subsequent reduces penalties, will cause an increase in poaching. Under current guidelines, only ranchers who have had livestock killed by wolves may apply for a permit to hunt them.
Featured Image from Michael LaRosa/Unsplash
