Oregon wolf pack's attack on cow brings it closer to state kill order

The latest livestock attack by Oregon's Snake River pack could put it one bite away from being the first considered for a state kill order under new rules. The settlement of a lawsuit from conservation groups forced Oregon to create specific rules for using lethal control on wolves in cattle country.  Ranchers must make an effort to keep wolves away with non-lethal means, such as having cowboys in the area. Then a pack has to make four confirmed and qualifying attacks in six months. A wounded cow found Nov. 21 has been confirmed as the third for the Snake River pack. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is evaluating whether non-lethal steps were taken that would qualify the attack in the countdown. AP