An elk hunter in Oregon has reported killing a wolf in self-defense, prompting wildlife officers to launch an investigation.
The Oregon State Police said Monday that the hunter claimed to have been threatened by the wolf as he tracked elk on Nov. 2 alongside a ridge in Grant County.
The hunter advised OSP Fish and Wildlife Troopers that the wolf emerged from the bushes and stared him down as he yelled and waved his arms in an try to frighten the animal.
“The wolf then reportedly regarded on the hunter from a distance of roughly 30 yards and began coming straight towards the hunter,” OSP described in a information launch. “The hunter said he feared for his security and fired one spherical, putting the wolf and killing it immediately.”
Troopers who visited the scene decided that the wolf was about 18 yards from the hunter when he shot the animal. A second wolf additionally emerged however ran off after the hunter fired into the air.
Wolves are protected in Oregon and there’s no basic sport-hunting season for the animals.
OSP stated a report on the incident shall be submitted to the Grant County District Legal professional’s Workplace.
The company added: “Preliminary investigation revealed the hunter acted fairly in capturing the wolf for private security and appropriately notified officers instantly upon capturing the wolf.”
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This article by Pete Thomas was first printed by For The Win on 8 November 2023. Lead Picture: Generic wolf picture courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.