Wolf pack’s role in cow’s death is unverified

LEWISTON – A wolf pack that has already killed six hunting dogs likely killed an adult cow last week, officials said.

But the dead cow cannot be positively linked to wolves, so federal wildlife officials say no action can be taken against the pack, which is active between Elk River and Dworshak Reservoir.

Still, said Carter Niemeyer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, action will be taken if more livestock deaths are linked to the pack.

“That pack was confirmed to be a problem last year. We would probably engage in some incremental removal of the pack if they are confirmed to be a problem this year,” Niemeyer said.

Rancher Suzanne Beale found the dead cow Monday and saw a wolf run from it as she approached.

She called Wildlife Services Agent Dave Thomas to investigate, and though Thomas found it probable that wolves killed the cow, the carcass had no tooth puncture marks – which meant it was impossible to say for certain that wolves were responsible.

Federal authorities only authorize killing wolves if it can be proved that the animals were responsible for livestock deaths.

“I was pretty disappointed,” Beale said. “I’m not mad. I’m past that point.”

Beale said she frequently hears or sees wolves in the area.

“They have come in and around camp quite a bit,” she said. “I have to keep my dogs pretty close.”

Ranchers can shoot wolves stalking or attacking livestock, but Beale doesn’t carry a gun. Even if she did, she said the wolves rarely stick around long enough to allow someone to aim and take a shot.

In 1995 and 1996, the Fish and Wildlife Service released gray wolves into central Idaho and Yellowstone National Park as part of a program to re-establish wolf populations in the Northwest. The wolves are exceeding goals in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.

Since the first 35 were released in central Idaho, the population has grown to an estimated 500 wolves within state lines, state fish and game officials estimate.

Wolves in the Northern Rockies are considered biologically recovered, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service. But they can’t be removed from federal protection until Idaho, Montana and Wyoming each have federally approved wolf management plans.

So far, Idaho and Montana have approved plans, but Wyoming does not.