Wolves in Oregon, Wolves in Idaho

Eugene, Oregon
February 22, 2023 4:34pm CST
The Oregon Dept of Fish & Wildlife says that at the end 2021, there were about 175 wolves in Oregon. As of January, 2022 Idaho Fish & Game said that there are over 1500 wolves in Idaho. Wolves are protected in western Oregon, Idaho has an annual hunting season and Idaho passed a law in 2021 that will allow 90% of their wolves to be killed. In Oregon, wolves can only be killed after it is documented that they have killed livestock. Wolves were pretty much extinct in both states prior to 1965, but new federal laws were passed to prevent total extinction. Farmers, ranchers and some hunters say that there are too many allowed to exist in both states. Oregon is one of the most liberal states, Idaho one of the most conservative. In eastern and parts of southern Oregon, there is a movement to join the state of Idaho. That would take the permission of both states & the federal government, so it will probably take a long time to be decided. Most of Oregon's population is on the west side of the Cascade Mountains, the east side is more sparsely populated, so some there don't feel well represented.
13 people like this
10 responses
@RubyHawk (99367)
• Atlanta, Georgia
23 Feb 23
Wild animals are being crowded out of their natural homes all over. I think every state should have hundreds of acres that is protected for wild life. They deserve homes as much as we do.
1 person likes this
• Eugene, Oregon
27 Feb 23
@RubyHawk It's a careful balancing act I guess.
1 person likes this
• Eugene, Oregon
26 Feb 23
I absolutely agree.
1 person likes this
@RubyHawk (99367)
• Atlanta, Georgia
26 Feb 23
But neither should people be afraid to go out in the own neighborhood so what can be done to protect animals and humans?.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (254949)
• United States
23 Feb 23
It's a dilemma when the numbers grow and the wolves kill livestock. However, I don't like to see any animals hurt.
1 person likes this
• Eugene, Oregon
24 Feb 23
There doesn't seem to be a happy medium.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (254949)
• United States
24 Feb 23
@JamesHxstatic I guess not. It's a dilemma for sure.
@marguicha (230334)
• Chile
22 Feb 23
Still, they are beautiful!
1 person likes this
• Eugene, Oregon
22 Feb 23
That they are and there is a real mystique about them too.
1 person likes this
@marguicha (230334)
• Chile
22 Feb 23
@JamesHxstatic Many wild animals kill livestock because human beings take over their homeland.
@Tampa_girl7 (54714)
• United States
26 Feb 23
Although I wouldn’t want to come across one they are beautiful.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (97912)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
22 Feb 23
What a lovely picture of a wolf, I have always loved hearing their howls, I am glad the wolves are protected,
1 person likes this
• Eugene, Oregon
22 Feb 23
So am I, they are special animals.
1 person likes this
@Adie04 (17405)
23 Feb 23
But the wolf in the picture is so beautiful.
1 person likes this
• Eugene, Oregon
26 Feb 23
Yes, they are magnificent.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (208746)
• United States
23 Feb 23
I think it is great to re introduce animals to their natural habitat, but they have to be closely monitored so they don't get out of control which seems to be happening in Idaho.
@LadyDuck (502148)
• Italy
23 Feb 23
I love wolves, they are protected here, if the population increases too much and they cause problems, a special authorization is needed to kill those who seem to be the most dangerous.
@JudyEv (381760)
• Rockingham, Australia
23 Feb 23
Wow, numbers there have really increassed a lot. I wonder if the borders will ever be rearranged. I'm sure it's a complex issue.
1 person likes this
@Plethos (13718)
• United States
22 Feb 23
over population can be a bigger threat than the actual actions of a wolf. i believe the term for hunting them is sometimes refered to as culling? btw, what happens to the hunted wolf? what is one allowed to do with the wolf after its been hunted?
• Eugene, Oregon
22 Feb 23
Not sure abou that, but I think Idaho pays hunters to kill them. There is really no overpopulation in either state.
1 person likes this
• Eugene, Oregon
22 Feb 23
@Plethos Never heard of anyone eating a wolf, but if I were hungry enough, who knows?
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@Plethos (13718)
• United States
22 Feb 23
@JamesHxstatic - i only ask because i mostly follow the motto of eat what you hunt. id find it wierd eating a wolf, unless thats an actual thing .
1 person likes this