Wolves kill calf

by Cat Urbigkit

U.S.D.A. Wildlife Services officials confirmed Tuesday that wolves had killed a calf in the Upper Green River region of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Mike Jimenez of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said the agency suspects two uncollared wolves were involved in the depredation. Jimenez said he has authorized Wildlife Services to kill two wolves in the area.

This is the first confirmed wolf depredation of the 2004 forest grazing season. Domestic sheep began moving onto the allotments on Tuesday as well.

Merrill Nelson of Wildlife Services also confirmed that bears have mauled two calves. Contacted Wednesday morning, Nelson was preparing to set up camp in the area to respond to depredation concerns. Since the calves were "walking wounded," wildlife agents have no carcass to attempt to capture marauding bears on, he said.