A Young Wolf in the Deschutes National Forest
Cindy McClatchey and her spouse, David Lassen, were driving along Cascade Lakes Highway in the Deschutes National Forest at 6:49 p.m. on August 23, 2026. The couple noticed a large, mostly white, collared canine with salty black fur running near the road about 20 miles southwest of Bend. McClatchey identified the animal as a wolf. She and Lassen turned their car around to find the animal crossing toward them. The wolf approached the vehicle, and McClatchey noticed the tracking collar box. She snapped several photos to document the encounter, as the behavior seemed unusual for a wild wolf.
The couple watched for roughly 30 minutes. At one point, the wolf moved back and forth along the centerline, nearly hit by a passing truck. McClatchey said she felt the wolf might be searching for assistance, as its indifference to humans and traffic was notable. Shortly after, Kayla Cook and her fiancé, Brandon Stout, encountered the same wolf on the same highway. Cook observed the animal for another 20 minutes from her car. She noted he appeared calm rather than injured, though he showed no fear of vehicles or people. Both groups shared their documentation online, quickly drawing attention to the young predator's presence.
The Identity and Travels of OR-213
Wildlife officials identify the wolf as OR-213, a 16-month-old male born in April 2025 into the Indigo Pack. The pack's territory sits near Diamond Lake in the southern Cascades, just north of Crater Lake National Park. Aaron Bott, a biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, confirmed OR-213 was the only pup to survive from his litter through the end of 2025. The agency captured the wolf in late June 2026, fitting him with a radio collar at 77 pounds.
Following his capture, OR-213 left his family. He has since traveled hundreds of miles, moving from the Diamond Lake region north to the Warm Springs Indian Reservation and then back south. Within 30 hours of the sightings on Cascade Lakes Highway, he had already moved roughly 50 miles south. This dispersal pattern is common for wolves approaching breeding age. They often leave home to find a mate and their own territory. State records indicate that nine radio-collared wolves dispersed in 2025, though many more likely wander without collars.
The Risks of Dispersal
Life as a lone wolf is hazardous. OR-213 lacks the support of a pack for hunting, and he remains vulnerable to larger predators or territorial disputes with other wolves. Late summer is a lean time for these animals, as elk and deer are strong and difficult to track. For OR-213, the Cascade Lakes Highway offers an easier food source through roadkill. This habit keeps him near traffic, increasing his risk of a collision. Vehicle strikes remain a major cause of death for Oregon's wolf population, with three confirmed cases in 2025.
Public interest in OR-213 has sparked concern about illegal killings. Four breeding males were lost to poaching or poisoning in the last year, including a member of the Metolius Pack near Sisters. State law classifies the killing of a wolf as a Class C felony, which carries a prison term of up to five years and heavy fines. Federal protections also cover OR-213 as he moves through the western parts of the state.
Moving Forward With Wildlife
State officials emphasize that OR-213 is not a pet. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife advises the public to maintain distance. Anyone who encounters the wolf should not attempt to feed or approach him. Allowing the animal to become too comfortable around people creates long-term risks for both the public and the wolf. Agency staff have already begun hazing the wolf away from the road to discourage roadside scavenging. Residents and visitors in the Cascades should remain aware of his presence but treat him as a wild predator that needs space to survive his journey.