Wolf Interaction
Hunters
Flyer: Wolves and hunting dogs; ID wolves vs. coyotes (pdf)
Hunters should report wolf sightings, sign or activity online at ODFW’s wolf website
Wolves are protected throughout Oregon. It is not legal to shoot one, except in defense of human life. Report any incident with a wolf to the police or ODFW (541-963-2138).
Conflicts between wolves and people are more likely to occur when wolves are habituated to people, infected with rabies, or when domestic dogs are present.
Wolves and hunting dogs: Reducing conflict
Wolves are by nature extremely territorial and guard their territory from other canids, including coyotes and domestic dogs. Hunters who use dogs should take steps to limit potential conflicts between their dog(s) and a wild wolf.
Keep dogs within view.
- Place a bell or a beeping collar on wider ranging dogs.
- Talk loudly to the dog or other hunters or use whistles.
- Control the dog so that it stays close to you and wolves associate it with a human.
- Place the dog on a leash if wolves or fresh sign are seen.
- Remember, it is NOT legal to shoot at or attempt to injure or kill a wolf even if it is attacking your dog.
Wolves vs. Coyotes
Wolves and coyotes can look similar, especially wolf pups in the mid-summer and fall. Use this graphic to distinguish between wolves and coyotes.
Report any wolf sightings or wolf sign to ODFW (541-963-2138 or nearest field office) or online.
Livestock Owners
Download Wolves and Livestock in Oregon brochure (pdf)
Div. 110 – Wolf Plan Oregon Administrative Rules (incl. lethal take of wolves due to livestock losses)
Because wolves are protected by state and/or federal law, there are what restrictions on what private landowners can do. If you see a wolf near your home or livestock, you are authorized under state and federal law to scare the animal off (by making loud noises for example) as long as your actions do not harm or injure the wolf in any way.
Under current law, it is unlawful to kill or harm a wolf attacking livestock, except with a permit.
If you believe a wolf has killed or injured livestock, take the following steps:
- Do not move or disturb evidence.
- Preserve wolf tracks, hair or scat by covering with plywood, weighted-down empty coffee cans or other material that won’t ruin the evidence.
- Cover the carcass or any remains with a secured tarp to preserve them.
- Call ODFW (541-963-2138) or USDA Wildlife Services (541-963-7947) or a county official immediately so an investigation can begin and cause can be determined. Please note that ODFW, not any other agency, must confirm that an incident is a wolf kill in order to authorize injurious harassment or lethal removal of wolves.
- If the incident occurs west of Hwys 395-78-95, call USFWS at 541-786-3282/541-962-8584.
East of Hwys 395-78-95 (state management)
Responses to livestock depredation are guided by Oregon’s Wolf Plan and associated administrative rules. Non-lethal methods must be tried before any injurious or lethal control of wolves is permitted by ODFW. If non-lethal methods don’t work, ODFW may authorize the killing of wolves to stop chronic livestock depredation.
West of Hwys 395-78-95 (federally listed)
