By Cory Hatch, Jackson Hole Daily
High-profile wolves that have roamed the center of the valley attacked and injured a dog, federal officials said Wednesday.
“The dog was severely injured,” said Mike Jimenez, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wolf manager. “This is what happens.”
Jimenez would not provide other incident details, such as where the attack happened, but he did say the dog is still alive.
The wolves were still on the loose Wednesday, Jimenez said. Their territory includes Wilson and South Park, where they first were noticed in December.
Late last month, Jimenez said wildlife managers would use a helicopter and tranquilizer darts to track and capture the South Park wolves. The animals have ventured near homes in Indian Trails and other nearby subdivisions. Once the animals are captured, they’ll likely be given a lethal injection.
“They’re still suburban wolves,” Jimenez said. “They’re using a bigger area.”
Jimenez said he’s found the animals using aircraft “several times” but the opportunity to capture the animals has not presented itself. “They’re in the area,” he said. “They’re moving around they valley.
“We’re just kind of waiting,” Jimenez continued. “It’s going to take a while.”
While some reports have indicated up to four animals in the pack, Jimenez said he’s seen just two wolves.
The plan remains to kill the animals once they are captured, he said.