Action approved to stem wolf depredation near Reed Point

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   BILLINGS — Wolves returned to a sheep ranch north of Reed Point this week and killed one ewe and a goat. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks asked USDA Wildlife Services to kill one wolf in the area and capture, collar and release a second wolf to gather information about its travels.

   A permit also was issued to the landowner.  This is the fifth incident in which wolves have keyed on the rancher’s flocks of sheep.  Herders and guard dogs have not successfully prevented the depredations and a total of 15 sheep and a goat have been confirmed killed.

   In early September, federal Wildlife Services officials confirmed that wolves killed eight sheep on the ranch. Tracks led them to believe that a wolf/dog hybrid also may have been involved. They tried unsuccessfully at that time to trap the responsible wolves.

   Following this week’s incident in the same area, state officials agreed to remove one wolf to discourage further depredation. The rancher as well as wildlife officials are permitted to shoot one wolf. They will renew efforts to trap a second animal.

   Because wolves have not been seen frequently in the area, trapped wolves may be fitted with radio collars and released so biologists can follow them, learn where they came from and whether they are part of a bigger pack.

   To learn more about Montana’s wolf population, visit FWP online at fwp.mt.gov/wildthings/wolf , where visitors can also tell FWP when they see wolves or wolf sign. The information helps to verify the activity, distribution and pack size of Montana’s wolf population.

-FWP-