PENDLETON, Ore. — State officials say four sheep are dead and a lamb is missing in Umatilla County in northeast Oregon, all believed killed by a wolf.
The sheep were in pens on private land east of Weston.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife says wolves have taken 57 animals statewide since 2009, and these are the first confirmed in Umatilla County.
An investigation Wednesday led the department to conclude one wolf was responsible. It occurred near a wildlife area frequented by a pair of wolves that are not part of the four recognized packs in Oregon.
The department is trying to find the wolf and put a radio collar on it.
The Department says the owner is eligible for compensation under a state program and has now installed electrified fencing.
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