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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Transplanted Gray Wolf Shot To Death Animal Found On Ranch Near Body Of Partially Eaten Calf

Associated Press Staff Write

A gray wolf that apparently fed on a newborn calf was found shot to death on a central Idaho ranch, Lemhi County Sheriff Brett Barsalou said Monday.

Federal agents launched an investigation into the killing of one of the 15 wolves released earlier this month as part of a five-year plan to restore the predator to the region.

The wolf was found Sunday morning by rancher Gene Hussey in a pasture on his Iron Creek ranch, about 25 miles south of Salmon. It was about 60 miles east of where the wolf had been turned loose in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness.

Wearing U.S. Fish and Wildlife radio collar No. 13, the female wolf was shot through the chest. The stomach of the calf was ripped open.

Later examination by local veterinar ian Robert Cope showed blood between the wolf’s teeth, tooth marks on the calf’s liver and black hair the color of the calf in the wolf’s stomach.

The dead wolf was reported to have had the same tan coloration as a coyote, which is much smaller.

Hussey said he was driving up to check on his cattle when he saw the wolf lying in the field. He said he doesn’t know who shot it or when, although it must have been not long before he found the carcass because the wolf wasn’t stiff yet.

“I was panicked. The first thing I thought is that everybody is going to think I shot it,” the rancher said.

The wolves, imported from Canada for

reintroduction in the West, were released over the objections of ranchers in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, who said they would prey on their herds.

“Now, I’m really interested to see how much more of a hassle it’s going to be for the livestock producer because a wolf was shot on his property.”Under conditions set up for the rein troduction, the wolves were vulnerable to being shot if they attacked stock and such an attack was witnessed by a rancher.

Federal authorities had reported just last week that all 15 wolves seemed to be doing well, were moving regularly in the region and were finding prey to eat. Two wolves have since migrated into Montana.

Idaho House Speaker Mike Simpson, R-Blackfoot, said Monday, “I don’t think it was a good idea to start with. You’ve got to remember these are predators.”

Rep. Jim Stoicheff, D-Sandpoint, said he fears the incident will hurt the chance for passage of his state wolf management plan, scheduled for debate Wednesday. The plan, which the federal government has rejected, is largely symbolic. It includes requirements that the federal government pay for livestock or guard dogs harmed by wolves.

Stoicheff said the plan shows the state is “willing to meet them halfway.”

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Associated Press Staff writer Rich Roesler contributed to this report.