Stray Wolf Shot

<a href="http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2006/11/03/news/state/25-wolf.txt" >Agents kill wolf sought in attacks on sheep</a><br />n<br />n<blockquote>The mystery killer has been killed. Federal agents Thursday morning shot a 106-pound wolf believed to be responsible for sheep kills in Garfield, McCone and Dawson counties late last year and earlier this year.<br />n<br />nAbout 120 sheep died and others were injured in a spate of attacks that had local livestock owners on edge for months. There was frequent speculation among wildlife experts and locals that the elusive predator was either a wolf or wolf hybrid. Some thought there was more than one animal stalking the sheep.<br />n<br />n"We do think it was a single animal and this chapter is closed," Carolyn Sime, head of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks' wolf program, said Thursday evening.</blockquote><br />n<br />nIn a way, it is nothing new for a wolf to be shot for killing domestic livestock, so why do I point this particular one out?<br />n<br />n<blockquote>There are still plenty of questions about the wolf. Chief among them is where it came from. Wolves, especially males, are known for traveling far in search of food.<br />n<br />nThe wolf shot Thursday was more than 150 miles from the fringes of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, where the wolf population has grown to more than 300 since reintroduction in 1995 and 1996.</blockquote><br />n<br />nThere are no other known wolves in the area and it is so far from the site of re-introduction in Yellowstone park, that's why it's significant. People wonder why ranchers are concerned about wolves. "About 120 sheep died and others were injured in a spate of attacks." That's a significant loss for ranchers, they have a right to fear such things. I keep watching and waiting. There will be wolves in this area with time. I am not looking forward to it or the consequences it will bring to me. <br />n<br />n<strong>Consequences are unpitying. George Eliot</strong>