ENHS Nature Trails January 2003 Article 4

Wolves in Oregon: The joy is to hear their songs in the distance...
by John Fentress

Prior to the encroachment of human civilization, wolves, Canis lupus, roamed freely through the forests and fields of Oregon. These wild relatives of our domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) served an integral role in an interlocked ecology, with predator and prey performing a delicate dance in nature's historical balance. As with other predators, wolves were often revered by native peoples in this state and elsewhere. There is an Inuit saying that captures the spirit of this dance: "The wolves and the caribou are one; it is the caribou that feeds the wolf, and the wolf that keeps the caribou strong." Here Barry Lopez's book, Wolves And Men, eloquently captures the spirit of wolves and their human friends and foes through historical times. Today wolves get mixed reviews. To some they remain a magical symbol of nature's beauty; to others they are a threat to human interests.

Wolves are predators. Their diet is varied, ranging from large to small mammals, fish, and even vegetable matter. As predators they can offer competition to human economic interests. Wolves also continue to be viewed in mythological and often ill-informed contexts. Having worked with wolves for more than 30 years, I confess that I am biased in favor of these delicate beasts. "Delicate" may seem like a strange term to use describing wolves, but it reflects something deep about the nature of these animals that goes beyond common myth and prejudice. I find the animals inspirational. I celebrate the possibility that wolves will once again join us in Oregon.

On December 9, 2002, there was a Town Hall meeting held at Lane Community College to discuss the possible return of wolves to Oregon, mostly through migration from Idaho. There are no plans to reintroduce wolves directly. The questions discussed were whether wolves are indeed beginning to come into Oregon, and to what extent this immigration should be celebrated or guarded against. Approximately 100 people attended the meeting hosted by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Following a formal presentation by Fish and Wildlife personnel, the group was divided into a series of "breakout" subgroups to allow discussion amongst the public in attendance. While I am certain that different subgroups had different views, the subgroup I was assigned to was essentially unanimous in supporting the return of wolves to our state. It was recognized that wolves can be a threat to ranchers, although the exact threat is not clear. A consensus from attendees suggested that the various interest groups should work together--historically, not an easy undertaking.

One point emphasized repeatedly is that feral wolves pose no direct threat to humans. There have been no authenticated cases of wolves attacking people in North America (unless rabid, held improperly in captivity, etc.). Wolves are shy and one rarely sees them in the wild. The joy is to hear their songs in the distance, or to trace their footprints in mud and snow. The real joy is just to know they are there.

The re-entry of wolves into Oregon is bound to spark controversy, with different self-interest groups promoting their distinctive agendas. I urge all readers of this newsletter to become familiar with the situation. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife invites your input. They can be contacted at:

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Information and Education Division
P.O. Box 59, Portland, Oregon 97207-0059
Direct faxes to ODFW at 503-872-5700
E-mail comments to ODFW.comments@state.or.us
Comments will be posted to the ODFW Web site
Questions, call 503-872-5268, or ask via e-mail at the above address

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