More wolf killings approved

BOISE – Federal Wildlife Services agents have shoot-to-kill orders for as many as six more wolves in central Idaho, after killing four wolves in the last two weeks. The targeted wolves were suspected of killing or harassing cattle and sheep in the mountainous region.

The latest killings bring the number of federally protected wolves shot by Wildlife Services officers in 2006 to 14, with another nine killed by ranchers through Tuesday.

The ranchers have been allowed to shoot the animals under relaxed rules of engagement in place since early 2005, said Steve Nadeau, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s wolf specialist.

In all of 2005, 27 wolves were killed legally by officers and ranchers.

Nadeau expects the number of wolf control actions this year to rise, as wolf numbers in the state have grown to 600 since the reintroduction of 35 animals in 1995 and 1996. Idaho and Montana want the animals cleared from Endangered Species Act protections, but the effort has been stymied because neighboring Wyoming’s plan to manage wolves hasn’t won federal approval.

“We’re finding wolves in new areas now, where we haven’t had them previously. They’re taking sheep or cattle, so we’re having to address that,” Nadeau said. “The number of wolves being taken seems to be increasing, and this year will be no exception to that.”

Since January, Idaho has had day-to-day management over central Idaho wolves, listed as “experimental, nonessential.” The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service still manages wolves north of U.S. Interstate 90, where the animals are listed as “endangered.”