$30,500 reward offered for gray wolf killing in Oregon

Environmental groups and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are asking for help from the public to investigate the killing of a gray wolf near Sisters, Oregon. The adult male wolf, known as the head of the Metolius pack, was found dead on March 10. However, officials have not disclosed the cause of death. Wolf poaching has increased in Oregon as wolf populations have grown, particularly because they sometimes prey on livestock. Poisoning has become a common way to kill these animals. Gray wolves are classified as endangered in western Oregon under the Endangered Species Act. The Metolius pack was first identified in 2021 and had four pups in 2024. Three of those pups and their mother are still alive. The death of the pack’s breeding male could threaten the survival of the pups, according to Amaroq Weiss, a senior wolf advocate. Weiss emphasized that the killing of the wolf is tragic and that the perpetrator should face serious consequences. To encourage information leading to an arrest, a total reward of $30,500 is being offered. This includes contributions from various conservation groups. Despite past rewards for wolf killings, enforcement has been challenging, with no cash awards previously leading to prosecutions in Oregon. Anyone with information about the wolf's death is urged to contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or Oregon State Police. Callers can choose to remain anonymous.