Depredation South of Jordan on July 17, 2006

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USDA Wildlife Services investigated a dead ewe on Wednesday, July 19 th on a ranch south of Jordan, MT, in Garfield County. Based on the feeding pattern and canine marks, USDA Wildlife Services determined that a wolf or wolf-like canid was probably responsible. The ewe was killed July 17 th.

 

Approximately 100 domestic sheep have been injured or killed in a series of seven different incidents in Dawson, Garfield and McCone Counties between December 2005 and May 4, 2006. FWP authorized affected landowners, USDA Wildlife Services, McCone County predator control specialist and its own employees to kill the problem animal. Federal regulations limit lethal control efforts to 45 days after each confirmed incident. The last 45-day control period ended on June 18, 2006, and no wolves or wolf-like canids were killed.

 

“No damage has been reported since May 4 th . But given the proximity of this week’s incident to the previous damage, it is likely the same animal,” said Bryce Christensen, FWP Regional Supervisor. “We re-authorized efforts by Wildlife Services and the affected landowner to kill the offending animal. We understand this has been a challenge for everyone involved and very difficult for the producers who have lost livestock,” he continued.

 

According to Jon Trapp, FWP Wolf Management Specialist, “Wildlife Services has a tough job locating this animal because of the open and dry setting. We encourage livestock producers to check their livestock more frequently and to report any unusual livestock behavior or canid tracks or scat to FWP personnel and Wildlife Services.” Because of the 45-day limitation, control efforts within Garfield County will be ongoing until August 31, 2006.

 

The public can help FWP monitor Montana’s wolf population by reporting wolves or wolf sign on line at www.fwp.mt.gov/wildthings/wolf, mailing a pre-printed postcard available at all FWP offices, or calling the nearest FWP regional office or Carolyn Sime, statewide wolf coordinator at 406-444-3242.   Data gathered by the public helps FWP document wolf activity.