Control action on confirmed wolf kill in Stanley on hold
by Anna Means
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) reported in its Idaho wolf update
that a calf in the Sawtooth Valley was confirmed as having been killed by
a wolf last week.
The depredation took place September 8 on private land.
A lethal control action for one wolf was authorized but nothing has been
initiated because of a restrictive order issued by U.S. District Judge
Lynn Winmill this summer.
Sue Henderson with the Department of Justice said FWS has filed a request
for Winmill to clarify FWS’s role in an order saying no wolves attacking
livestock in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area would be harmed during
this grazing season.
Henderson said FWS had been included in the order with the Forest Service
even though FWS wasn’t named in the original suit.
Dana Perino with the Department of Justice told the Messenger that until
the issue is cleared up, no lethal control action will be taken.
Private property owners are allowed to take non-lethal actions on their
property. It’s unknown whether the affected party has initiated such
measures.