Trap Free Oregon

January 4, 2012 Mr. Roy Elicker Director, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife 3406 Cherry Avenue N.E. Salem, OR 97303

Director Elicker, Last year Oregonians celebrated news that the state was again home to wolverines an animal long-feared extinct in Oregon due to hunting, trapping, and habitat destruction. Confirmation by way of dramatic photos and video from the wildlands in Northeastern Oregon spread widely. We recently learned that one of the states two known wolverines was caught in a leg-hold trap late last month in the Lostine River area. While we applaud the trapper for obeying the law and reporting the incident and commend your agency for ensuring the wolverine was released relatively unharmed, this event raises serious concerns over ODFWs management of this critically threatened species. Had the wolverine been trapped using a conibear trap or neck snare it would almost certainly have died. If wildlife trapping is allowed to continue in an area known to be used by this critically threatened species, such a tragedy seems likely to occur. That would bring a tragic end to one of the most significant Oregon wildlife recovery stories in decades. Given that your agency is tasked with protecting wildlife as well as regulating hunting and trapping, we are writing to inquire as to what your agencies plans are for ensuring wolverines in Northeast Oregon are not harmed by such activities Additionally, we would strongly suggest that wildlife trapping especially lethal trapping - be suspended in areas known to be frequented by wolverines and practices modified in the larger landscape where the animal is known to roam. Elimination of the practice from the Eagle Cap Wilderness and adjacent public lands would be a logical first step. We look forward to your response. Very Sincerely,

Steve Pedery Conservation Director, Oregon Wild Cc: Martin Nugent Bruce Eddy

Wally Sykes Trap Free Oregon