The Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation invites the public to a series of presentations by biologists about Oregon wildlife. The presentations take place at the Billy Frank Jr. Conference Room at Ecotrust (721 NW 9th).

The first presentation, which takes place Wednesday, November 9, 2011, is about Wolverines in NE Oregon!

In 1936, the wolverine was thought to have been extirpated from Oregon. A recent monitoring project, however, has verified the presence of wolverines in northeastern Oregon’s Eagle Cap Wilderness. Earlier this year, in cooperation with ODFW and the Forest Service, Wildlife Biologist Audrey Magoun and her husband, Pat Valkenburg, developed a study plan and initiated field work for a pilot study focused on surveying for wolverines in NE Oregon’s Eagle Cap Wilderness. They deployed motion detection cameras and hair-snagging devices in a study area and flew aerial surveys to detect wolverine tracks at higher elevations. By the end of June, 3 different wolverines had been detected at camera stations, 2 of which were verified as males and photographs indicated the third individual was probably also a male. Aerial surveys detected 7 sets of tracks at high elevations.

Admission is free but registration is required, and Oregon Wildlife members get to register first! Public registration on October 13th. Visit the website on that date for the registration link.

Details on the other 2011-2012 series presentations coming soon.