Wolf sighting leads to school closure at Butte Falls Charter School
BUTTE FALLS, Ore. (KTVZ) - A recent wolf sighting near the Butte Falls Charter School's Natural Resource Center resulted in the temporary closure of classes on February 12th. The wolf was spotted at approximately 1:15 p.m. near the center, which is located outside the town, across from the Butte Falls Prospect Highway. The school's assistant principal, Ana Apgar, took immediate action by contacting the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to ensure the safety of students and staff.
The school is collaborating with state and federal authorities to manage the presence of wolves in the area. According to the International Wolf Center, fatal attacks on humans are extremely rare and typically linked to rabies. Between 2002 and 2020, only 26 fatal attacks were recorded worldwide, with 14 attributed to rabies.
The wolf was seen crossing Fish Lake Road onto the Natural Resource Center property. Despite the closure, students and staff remained calm during the incident. The Butte Falls Charter School serves 159 students in a community located approximately 40 miles east of Medford. Federal and state authorities have been informed about the situation.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is coordinating with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. These agencies are taking steps to place professional wolf hazers in the community for resident protection and are developing a long-term plan to address the issue. This incident follows a series of recent wolf encounters in Central Oregon, including a sighting near Bend and another near Sunriver.
Aaron Bott, a wildlife biologist specializing in Central Oregon wolves, explained that young wolves often navigate rural neighborhoods during this time of year to find mates. This increased movement is driven by biological factors, as their hormones surge and they only go into heat for a short period. Bott emphasized the importance of public reports in monitoring wolf activity, as tracking collars are used alongside these reports.
KTVZ News has provided extensive coverage on wolf populations, their federal protections, and coexistence with ranchers. These in-depth reports are available for reference.
