2 wolves killed by officials
Associated Press
MISSOULA (AP) – Two wolves caught raiding sheep herds west of here were
killed Friday by federal hunters.
Wildlife managers caught six wolves, known as the Ninemile Valley pack,
returning to carcasses of several sheep they’d killed Thursday night.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials said Saturday morning that they found the
remains of a fifth sheep killed by the pack during a recent feeding spree.
The Ninemile pack is suspected of killing 11 sheep, seven llamas and a
horse in the past 1-1/2 years.
Trappers working for the agency shot a gray colored adult male, and a
black adult female. The female was collared, and was suspected of killing
other livestock in the area this past year.
Officials hope that by killing the two animals, the rest of the pack will
steer clear of livestock.
Federal wolf biologist Joe Fontaine said there are no plans to kill the
entire pack, although the agency has taken out entire packs in other
cases.
The skulls and other parts of the dead wolves will be used as educational
tools by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the agency said.
Officials tried to haze the other four wolves back into the woods, but
officials said the animals remained in the area Saturday.
Officials have asked landowners to keep their sheep locked up at night,
and suggested that landowners install higher or electric fences.