ODFW files wolf plan rule change with Secretary of State
ODFW filed a temporary rule change with the Secretary of State’s office June 29, 2010, that changes the OAR language guiding lethal responses to wolf-livestock depredation. The rule changes are as follows (old or deleted language is strike-thru text, new language is bold and underlined).
(6) Lethal take to deal with chronic depredation.
(a) ODFW may authorize its personnel, authorized agents, or Wildlife Services, to use lethal force on wolves [anywhere] at a property owner or permittee’s request if:
(A) ODFW confirms [that the property or an adjacent property has had] either:
(i) two confirmed depredations by wolves on livestock in the area; or
(ii) one confirmed depredation followed by [up to three] an attempted depredation[s] (testing or stalking) in the area ;
Wolves are territorial animals that can range over hundreds of square miles. Recognizing that wolves do not observe property boundaries, the new rules clarify that ODFW can authorize lethal force against wolves when they are repeatedly attacking livestock within an area. (Lethal measures can still only be taken after non-lethal measures have been unsuccessful and where no unreasonable conditions exist to cause wolf-livestock conflict.)
Adding the term “in the area” to i and ii clarifies that the rules are to be used for a situation in a particular area, not throughout the state. Replacing “up to three” with “an” does not change the intent of the rule but accounts for situations where there are more than three attempted depredations.
Under state law, ODFW may adopt a temporary rule which the Fish and Wildlife Commission needs to ratify at its next meeting (July 16, 2010 in Salem). Temporary rules are in effect for 180 days from the time they are filed with the Secretary of State.
The complete new rule is available on ODFW’s website at the link below:
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/OARs/110.pdf
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