With the presence of wolves already documented in eastern Umatilla County, it was likely only a matter of time before wolf sightings near Hermiston began to be reported.

Larry Weems, a self-described avid outdoorsman, reported seeing a large wolf near Cold Springs Reservoir, roughly eight miles east of Hermiston, on Wednesday, April 20.

Weems told the Hermiston Herald he had been driving on Kosmos Road early Wednesday morning when he spotted a large deer herd running as if spooked by something.

Ive seen other wolves, Weems said. But this was by far the biggest wolf Ive ever seen. It was huge.

According to Russ Morgan, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife wolf coordinator, its not impossible that a wolf might show up in Hermiston. Morgan said a motivated wolf can travel as much as 100 miles in a single day, and he has documented lone wolf trips up to 30 miles.

With confirmed wolf sightings in Umatilla County earlier this year, it could easily be possible for a wolf to trek as far west as Hermiston.

Wolves are a well-traveled animal, Morgan said. Weve had periodic reports all over eastern Oregon.

Morgan added that most reports turn out to be something other than wolves.

Most commonly its coyotes, Morgan said, adding that he occasionally receives wolf sighting reports from downtown Portland that are usually coyotes.

Theres a lot of wolf-like dogs, Morgan said. That also makes it difficult.

While not discounting the possibility of a wolf so near Hermiston, Morgan said it was unlikely.

Weems, however, was adamant that what he saw was, in fact, a wolf.

I got a real good look at him, Weems said, describing the animal as roughly 40 inches tall at the shoulder. I spend a lot of time outdoors. I know the difference between a wolf and a coyote. Ive shot a lot of coyotes but this was no coyote.