Stop The Wolf Slaughter Before More Innocent Wildlife And Pets Die
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Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site
Oregon’s wolves are being poisoned, innocent wildlife and pets are dying, and poachers remain unpunished. Call for stronger enforcement before more lives are lost.
Oregon’s wolf population is at risk, and the illegal practice of poaching is making the problem worse. Over the past few years, poaching—especially through poisoning—has become rampant. In 2023 alone, 12 wolves were killed illegally, with many more deaths recorded since. As a result, for the first time in 16 years, Oregon’s wolf population has stalled, and the consequences are spreading across the state.
Poisoned Bait Puts Pets and People at Risk
The threat goes beyond wolves. Poisoned bait meant for wolves is also killing other wildlife, including golden eagles and mountain lions1. A single poisoned cow carcass recently killed three wolves, two eagles, and more, including a mountain lion2. The indiscriminate use of poison is not only harming animals but also putting people and their pets at risk.
In May 2024, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) warned hikers and campers in eastern Oregon to keep their dogs on leashes to avoid poisoned traps1. The danger is real for anyone spending time in Oregon’s natural areas, and this crisis is only growing.
Wolves Are Essential to Oregon’s Ecosystem
Wolves play a critical role in maintaining balance within Oregon’s ecosystem. They naturally control deer and elk populations, preventing overgrazing and reducing the spread of diseases like chronic wasting disease3. Without wolves, these herds could spiral out of control, leading to significant environmental damage.
Poaching doesn’t just target wolves—it threatens the entire ecosystem. The loss of wolves disrupts natural balances, with far-reaching effects that could permanently damage Oregon’s wild spaces.
Poachers Must Be Held Accountable
Despite the severity of the situation, poachers continue to operate with impunity. The Turn-In-Poachers program offers rewards for information leading to arrests, yet no significant convictions have been made. The silence surrounding these illegal acts must be broken, and poachers must be held accountable3.
The time to act is now. We cannot afford to lose more wolves, and we must protect Oregon’s wildlife and natural spaces before the damage becomes irreversible.
Take Action to Protect Oregon’s Wolves
The future of Oregon’s wolves—and by extension, its ecosystems—depends on stronger conservation efforts. We call on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to increase law enforcement against poaching, expand public education programs, and strengthen penalties for poachers. These actions are critical for ensuring the survival of Oregon’s wolves and safeguarding the natural world we all rely on.
Your voice matters. Sign the petition below to help protect Oregon’s wolves from poaching and ensure a safer, healthier future for both wildlife and the people of Oregon.
Sign the petition now and stand up for Oregon’s wolves.
- KTVZ (13 September 2024), "Wolf Poaching on the Rise, Affecting Oregon Recreation, Conservation Group Says."
- Aimee Plante, KOIN (12 February 2024), "Gray Wolves Killed, Reward Offered in Oregon."
- Kendra Chamberlain, Columbia Insight (28 May 2024), "Poisoning of Wolves Becoming an Epidemic in Oregon."
The Petition:
We, the undersigned, call on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to take stronger and more immediate action to address the growing crisis of wolf poaching in our state. Oregon's wolf population is under significant threat due to illegal killings, particularly through the indiscriminate use of poisoned bait. This not only endangers wolves but also risks the lives of other wildlife, pets, and potentially even people.
The state’s wolf population has stagnated for the first time in 16 years, a direct result of human-caused deaths. In 2023 alone, 12 wolves were killed illegally, many by poisoning, and these numbers are rising. Wolf recovery is essential not just for the wolves themselves but for maintaining the balance of Oregon’s ecosystem. Wolves help control prey populations, reduce disease spread, and ultimately contribute to a healthier and more diverse environment.
However, current conservation and enforcement efforts are not enough. Despite existing programs like Turn-In-Poachers, few have been held accountable for these crimes. Without stronger law enforcement, public awareness, and increased penalties for poaching, wolves will continue to face extinction in Oregon.
We urge the ODFW to increase resources for investigation and prosecution of poachers, expand public education on the importance of wolves, and bolster non-lethal methods for resolving conflicts between wolves and livestock.
By acting now, we can ensure that Oregon's wilderness remains a safe and thriving habitat for wolves, wildlife, pets, and future generations. Strengthening these protections will pave the way for a balanced ecosystem where humans and nature coexist in harmony.
Sincerely,
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