Wolf spotted near cattle, killed in Helena Valley,  Oh sure it was

In IUCNCongress, Protect Montana Wolves, Protect The Wolves by Twowolves1 Comment

Sure it was…. they expect people to believe this story? again… I see too many guns smiling in a picture with only a statement people are suppose to buy…

A ranch hand shot and killed a wolf in the Helena Valley over the weekend after it was seen near cattle and was believed to be a threat.

“It is a fairly unusual circumstance to have a wolf in the Helena Valley which makes this particularly interesting,” said Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Warden Sgt. Dave Loewen.

FWP first heard reports of the wolf on Saturday with reports of some illegal hunter behavior, he said, which included shooting from the road and without a license.

 On Sunday, the Flying W Ranch reported that the wolf was running among its livestock when a ranch hand shot it, Loewen said.

“They were allowed to do so if a depredation is imminent or occurring,” he said. “This was a completely legitimate shoot and in compliance with all laws and regulations.”

Loewen praised the actions of the ranch, saying they did not shoot the wolf on Saturday when it did not appear to pose a threat, and immediately reported the kill to FWP.

Because the wolf was not shot in a “hunting capacity” FWP took possession of the wolf, he said.

Photos of the large canine began appearing on social media over the weekend as word of the unusual kill began to circulate.

Area landowner John Novotny said the wolf was first seen along Valley Drive on Saturday and was tracked as it moved close to and within herds of cattle. The wolf was shot near the south shore of Lake Helena as it harassed livestock.

No young calves were in the area and checks of the herds did not turn up any killed or injured animals. Valley ranchers often deal with predators such as coyotes. This was the first incident with a wolf, he said, but likely will not be the last.

Novotny said he understood FWP was legally obligated to take the carcass, but believed the ranch hand should have been able to keep it.

The wolf was a black male and appeared to be healthy, Loewen said. Evidence showed the animal was traveling alone, and DNA was collected to try to determine where it came from.

Source: Wolf spotted near cattle, killed in Helena Valley | Natural Resources News Feed | helenair.com