Wallowa County loses Annie, a riding and pack mule to wolves

JOSEPH, Ore -- Early morning on January 14, 11 ½ miles outside of Joseph where the wind is blowing hard and cold on what is called "Divide", another probable wolf predation investigation is happening yet again on private property. Wolf supporters have said in the past, that wolves would rather feed on their natural prey such as elk and deer, then going after livestock, companion animals and pets.

There are an estimated 2,000 head of elk just over a butte from here.

So far the Imnaha pack has killed 21 cows and calves according to ODFW, US Wildlife Services reports 30.

But this time, the Imnaha pack did not chase down another cow or calf; they killed one of Steen Wilderness Adventures' mules, owned by Shawn and Shelly Steen.

The mule's name was Annie, Shawn Steen said. "When I saw her even with what little was left of her body I knew exactly who it was." Steen runs about 40 head of mules and horses on the Divide and can call every single one by name. "They are companion animals, and not just mules and horses," he said.

Annie was a healthy 15 year old mule. She was a riding and pack mule carrying many Adventurers from the Willamette Valley and other places into the pristine Wilderness of Wallowa County during summer and fall.

"She was a very nice mule, safe and sound to ride and pack for all of our customers we host through the year", Steen said.

Steen also said "The winter pasture on the Divide is very important for our horses and mules". "It provides a natural environment and feed until the snow comes in."

For the complete story visit Wallowa Valley Online at http://wallowavalleyonline.com/wvo/?p=10611

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• wolves
• wolf predation
• wallowa county wolves

[jswinona]

I support your cause 100% and things are likely to get worse before we are allowed to manage wolves appropriately. I have enjoyed your reports and share them with my friends. I don't however agree with calling mules/horses companion animals. Calling them companion animals brings in a whole bunch of trouble from groups like HSUS that are pushing laws with the terms "companion animals" that can have huge affects on the number of mules owned, bred, how they are cared for, etc

[wallowavalleyonline]

A note from the editor: Thank you for your support! :) On the matter of "companion animals" ~ I have trained and shown mules and horses for a long long time. We have always called them companion animals. There are more than just mules and horses to many of us. The little mule I still own today was a "companion" to his previous owner. HSUS is in the business to destroy all the pet and animal husbandry business. They really don't care what we call them. They want them all gone...

[Dojocho]

scum bag idiot biologists...they try to act like god telling us what we need and the right thing to do .....they create more problems...this aint the old west times change no place for large packs of wolves........

[Kornmanxx]

Theres enough property over there to just drop Wolves on the spot, if the state finds out odds are they are trespassing to find out. I wouldnt hesitate, regardless of where I was. Wolves are carnivores with the instinct to survive and last time I checked without technology humans are a ways down the food chain...

[cade83642]

Dear Wallowa co. It is not your idea and now you all have to live with someone else's decision. One death, twenty deaths of humans will not get wolves eradicated. You remember Andy Kerr and his statement how "no boy scout worth his salt would not want to be mauled by a cougar." That is their mind set. You have but one choice, succeed from Oregon, join Idaho state hood and you nice folks can start shooting those damn things.

[alexglitter]

I am sorry to hear of Annie's loss...she seems like a wonderful gal. May I ask how the wolves got to the horses? Did they come into your facility? Could you shore it up with fencing, or maybe some dogs? We use llamas to patrol. Here in Nevada we keep our horses corralled at night on account of pumas, bears, and coyotes (not a concern for adult horses, normally). Again, sorry to hear of Annie's loss. We have rescued mustangs and would be devastated to lose one.

[alexglitter]

So sorry to hear about Annie...she sounds like a wonderful gal. I have a question: how did the wolves get to your animals? Did they break into an enclosure?

[sts989]

LMAO, this has been happening in Canada for a while now. Up North 2 mules were taken by wolves nad majority of horses in the area if in a group of 3 or 4 will actually chase and stomp wolves or coyotes to death if they come into the pasture. Obviously sucks for the farmer but guess what you live in that area and unless the population is vastly too great or the wolves are killing for sport, it`s just part of the farming game. Maybe ranchers will have to actively protect livestock?

[katnisseverdeen10101]

@LivingHistorySchool even though the cow would have been eaten by humans, its one less cow that the rancher can take to market to earn money for his family with, cattle ranching is a way of life in wallowa county. don't talk about what you don't know.

[goodasgus2]

Obviously, some of you cold hearted people have never had a mule as a companion. They are loving and devoted, and there is no melodrama in the story. You have been told previously that you would rue the day you ever thought you wanted wolves in your area. Start now.

[cydbros]

To me a mule or horse is no different than a cat or dog per say, they show just as much love compassion, hurt and loss... A horse was my best friend before I lost him to colic....

[mrouterrim]

In SC & GA we have coyotes and we are told they keep rodents in check. Thats crap !!! They pack up and eat deer!!!