Oregon is experiencing a disturbing rise in poaching incidents, with multiple cases involving wolves and other wildlife prompting authorities to offer significant rewards for information leading to arrests. Oregon State Police and the US Fish and Wildlife Service are urging the public to come forward and assist in their investigations.
Recent Poaching Cases and Rewards:
Morrow County: A $20,000 reward is being offered for information on the poaching of a gray wolf (OR 159) found on private property south of Heppner.
Grant County: A $12,100 reward, or five ODFW hunter preference points, is available for information on the shooting of a young wolf near Prairie City.
Wallowa County: A staggering $38,700 reward is being offered in connection with the poisoning deaths of three gray wolves, two golden eagles, a cougar, and a coyote in the Snake River Wildlife Management Unit.
Klamath/Lake Counties: The largest reward, $60,000, is being offered for information related to the deaths of three endangered gray wolves, including the breeding female OR115, from the Gearhart Mountain Pack.
“Protect Oregon’s Wildlife” Campaign
In response to the increase in poaching, a new initiative, “Protect Oregon’s Wildlife,” is aiming to combat these crimes through a multi-pronged approach:
Increased Reporting: The campaign encourages the public to report any suspicious activity or information about wildlife crimes through a dedicated TIP Line. Callers can remain anonymous.
Enhanced Enforcement: Efforts are underway to expand the number of Fish and Wildlife Troopers to bolster enforcement efforts.
Stronger Prosecution: The campaign advocates for robust prosecution of poachers to deter future crimes against wildlife.
Collaboration is Key
This initiative is a collaborative effort between state agencies, conservation organizations, and the public. By working together, authorities hope to curb poaching activities and ensure the long-term health of Oregon’s wildlife populations. Anyone with information related to these poaching cases is urged to contact the authorities immediately. The future of Oregon’s natural heritage depends on it.