$30,500 Reward For Information On The Illegal Killing Of Oregon’s Metolius Wolf Pack Leader

The Center for Biological Diversity and the Wolf Welcome Committee have declared a $10,500 reward for details that lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the unlawful killing of a federally protected gray wolf near Sisters, Oregon.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which reported the wolf’s death on Wednesday, is adding another $10,000 to the reward pool. Additionally, the Oregon Wildlife Coalition maintains an ongoing $10,000 reward for any wolf illegally killed in Oregon. Combined, these contributions bring the total reward to $30,500.

The breeding male of the Metolius pack was vital to his family’s survival, and his absence could severely impact the pack, particularly endangering his vulnerable wolf pups.

“Any illegal killing of these magnificent animals is tragic, but the poaching of the Metolius pack’s breeding male may have consigned the pack’s pups to death by starvation or the pack to dissolve,” said Amaroq Weiss, senior wolf advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity. “These beautiful animals don’t deserve to die this way, and whoever killed this wolf should face the full force of the law.”

Wolves are essential to maintaining healthy ecosystems. As apex predators, they help regulate prey populations, preventing overgrazing that can destroy vegetation, harm waterways, and disrupt entire food chains. Their presence benefits a wide range of species, including beavers, songbirds, and even fish, by keeping habitats in balance. Yet, despite their ecological importance, wolves continue to face relentless persecution through illegal killings and weak protections that allow hunting and trapping to decimate their populations.

The Metolius pack was first documented in 2021 in the Metolius Wildlife Unit of Jefferson and Deschutes counties. In 2024, the breeding pair had four pups, officially marking their status as a recognized pack. According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, three of these pups are still alive. However, they are not yet skilled hunters, and the loss of their father puts their survival at risk.

With wolf pups typically born in the spring, this is a critical time of year for wolf families. If the Metolius pack’s breeding female is pregnant, she now faces raising newborn pups alone, without the support of her mate. The absence of an experienced hunter in the pack could make finding food more difficult, potentially forcing them to prey on livestock, which can lead to further conflicts with humans. Without their male leader, the pack could also dissolve entirely.

“It’s only been a few years since this wolf pack made its home near Sisters, and the promise of their presence is what inspired our organization to form,” said Susan Prince, co-founder and co-leader of Wolf Welcome Committee. “Locals have welcomed these wolves as part of Oregon’s natural heritage. The killing of this wolf is a real setback for wolf recovery, and it’s personally heartbreaking.”

Wolf poaching has become a growing crisis in Oregon. Since 2021, at least 33 wolves have been illegally killed across the state. Scientific research indicates that for every confirmed poached wolf, one to two others are killed and never discovered. These illegal killings threaten the fragile recovery of wolves in Oregon and underscore the urgent need for stronger protections, tougher enforcement, and a shift toward coexistence.

Federal and state agencies are investigating this latest poaching case. Anyone with information about this or any other illegal wolf killing is urged to contact the authorities.

Investigations are being conducted jointly by the Service, the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Service at (503) 682-6131, or the Oregon State Police Dispatch at (800) 452-7888, *OSP (*677), or email TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Callers may remain anonymous.

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