LARGE CANINE KILLED IN CARTER COUNTY, MONTANA (Via Paul Cropper)

LARGE CANINE KILLED IN CARTER COUNTY
655 words
14 May 2010
US Fed News
English
Copyright 2010. HT Media Limited. All rights reserved.

HELENA, Mont., May 13 -- The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks issued the following news release:

A large canine that had been reported as a possible wolf was killed when caught near livestock on private land between Hammond and Ekalaka in Carter County on May 11, 2010. The animal had been reported in and near livestock on several occasions in the area. FWP officials believe the animal is not a wild wolf and was of domestic origin based upon physical examination. Compared to a wild wolf, it had a small head, small feet, and facial markings that resemble a domestic husky. More obvious, however, is that the fluorescent orange pet collar is not consistent with any collars placed on a wild wolf by FWP or USDA Wildlife Services. "The nylon webbing collar with a snap closure and buckle is the type commonly found at any pet or feed supply store," said Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks game warden Troy Hinck.

The male canine was first reported April 14 when found in a pasture with livestock. The sightings were somewhat sporadic until May 10, when it was seen on a ranch a few miles away from the original sighting. According to warden Hinck, "The landowner did the right thing by calling FWP to make sure he knew the rules and laws associated with wolves in Montana and what his rights were as a Montana landowner to protect his livestock in case it was an actual wolf."

On May 11, it was near a ranch house within a pasture with livestock. The animal was killed by the property owner near the house. The incident was reported and FWP law enforcement investigated later that day. According to warden Hinck, "No charges were filed as the landowner action was justified and legal even if it turned out it was a wild wolf."

The wolf was delisted from the Federal Endangered Species Act on May 9, 2009. Montana law, administrative rules and the state wolf management plan took full effect that day.

Montana law and administrative rules (MCA 87-3-130; ARM 12.9.1301-1305) allow a person to kill a wolf that is seen in the act of attacking or killing a domestic dog not used for herding or guarding livestock. No permit is required, and FWP should be notified within 72 hours. The carcass is surrendered to FWP. Physical evidence of the wolf attack is required that would lead a reasonable person to conclude the attack was ongoing. A person may not intentionally bait a wolf with domestic dogs or livestock for the purpose of killing the wolf. Wolves may be opportunistically hazed or harassed in a non-injurious manner. Reporting to FWP within 72 hours is encouraged. Attacking or killing means the actual biting, wounding, or grasping of livestock or domestic dogs.

THESE RULES APPLY STATEWIDE CONSULT TRIBAL AUTHORITIES IF YOU LIVE WITHIN
Montana law and administrative rules (MCA 87-3-130; ARM 12.9.1301-1305) allow a person to kill a wolf that is seen in the act of attacking, killing, or threatening to kill a person. Report the incident to FWP within 72 hours.

While this turned out to be a dog at large rather than a wolf this demonstrates the legal way Montanans protect their property and work with FWP to manage this kind of incident.

In southeastern Montana it is a rare and unusual event to see a wild wolf. But in case someone does see wolves or wolf sign, contact the nearest FWP regional or state office at or use the online Wolf Observation Report at http://fwp.mt.gov/doingBusiness/contactUs/contactForm.html?action=getCustomContactForm&id=wolf_report

To report a dead wolf or possible illegal activity, call 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668).
For more information about USfednews please contact: Sarabjit Jagirdar, US Fed News, email:- htsyndication@hindustantimes.com

Document INDFED0020100514e65e002ha