Rancher shoots wolf in cattle herd

A Bitterroot Valley rancher who lost several calves to wolves spent the night in his car to guard his herd and shot a wolf as it moved among his cattle.

“There were all these black shapes, cows running everywhere,” said Ed Cummings, who was awakened at 4:30 a.m. on June 5 by his dog’s growling. “And right in the middle of them, just sort of trotting around, is this wolf.”

Cummings lost his shoe while trying to get out of the car, keep an eye on the wolf and grab the rifle he’d borrowed.

“I didn’t make a very good shot, but I hit it,” he said Monday.

Federal officials shot another wolf the next day.

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks issued Cummings a permit to kill two more wolves, although he does not need permission to shoot those attacking, chasing or harassing his livestock.

Vivaca Crowser, information officer for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, said other cows on Cummings’ property were killed June 6 and 7. Officials with the federal Wildlife Services agency attributed the deaths to wolves.

Meanwhile, about 30 miles southwest of Dillon, Wildlife Services officials have confirmed wolves killed six sheep Friday and Saturday.

“There are no known wolf packs in this area,” Liz Bradley, wolf management specialist for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, said Monday, adding that Wildlife Services is trying to determine whether a pack or individual wolf is responsible.

Carolyn Sime, wolf program coordinator for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, said she realizes ranchers are frustrated, but the agency must determine whether it is dealing with a pack of wolves or an isolated attack, before taking action against the wolves.