HB 4040A Removes gray wolves from endangered species list

PERSONAL: Collectively known as the gray wolf.  Once could be found throughout the US until federal and state government exterminated them prior to 1930. Canada did their own kill off until the1960s. Population zones have slowed their repopulation, but with the reintroduction into several western states, they are again becoming over populated and a preditor problem. When they outnumber their wild prey, they become a problem for ranchers attacking livestock and farm animals. Oregon has passed reasonable laws protecting the overkill of wildlife yet allowing remedies for farmers and ranchers when livestock or property is threatened.

MARKET: It is essential for the economic solvency of Oregon’s largest agricultural commodity in terms of sales, representing about 15 percent of Oregon’s entire agricultural sector.

GOVERNMENT: State Fish and Wildlife Commission voted to remove Canis lupus from the endangered species list on Nov. 9, 2015, unless populations in both the east and west zones decline to below the population status necessary for implementation of Phase II of the Oregon Wolf Conservation and Management Plan.