GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) — Oregon will take over responsibility for killing two wolves in the northeastern corner of the state, sidestepping a lawsuit by conservation groups aimed at federal authorities.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said Thursday it will target two young wolves from the Imnaha pack if they show up on private land near some cattle or sheep.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had issued the kill order earlier this week after a calf was killed outside Joseph. Tracks and GPS tracking suggested the Imnaha pack was responsible.
Conservation groups filed a lawsuit demanding the service do a full environmental analysis.
Sean Stevens of Oregon Wild says the Oregon department appears to be following its wolf management plan, and they do not plan a legal challenge.
