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Idaho Fish and Game

Officials Look into Wolf Death, Nonlethal Controls

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Idaho Fish and Game is investigating the death of a wolf shot northeast of Stanley. Fish and Game biologist Jason Husseman retrieved the carcass of the wolf on June 16. As in all wolf shootings under state law, this incident is being investigated. An ongoing collaborative effort to reduce conflicts between wolves and sheep in the Ketchum area relies on nonlethal methods including the use of fladry, penning at night and hazing with hired trained technicians. The efforts include the cooperation among several livestock producers, Fish and Game, U.S.D.A. Wildlife Services, U.S. Forest Service, Blaine County Commissioners, and Defenders of Wildlife. Among other incidents, officials on June 24, found a 25-pound male and a 23-pound female wolf pup dead along Highway 21 near Lowman, apparently hit by a vehicle. On June 24, Wildlife Services investigated a report that wolves attacked and injured some sheep on private land west of McCall. Wildlife Service determined one lamb was probably attacked by a wolf, but it appeared likely it should survive. This band of sheep has seven guard dogs, which may explain the few injuries. No decision has yet been made in the May 28 Missoula court hearing on a preliminary injunction in a legal challenge to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's decision to delist gray wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountains. The injunction was sought by 12 environmental, conservation and animal rights groups, pending the outcome of the lawsuit. The Idaho wolf update is available at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/wolves/wklyReport/weekly.cfm.