Seven wolves killed in six days

by Cat Urbigkit

Mike Jimenez of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service confirmed that it’s been a busy week for wolf control, with seven wolves killed in six days in three different areas of the county.

Last Wednesday, USDA Wildlife Services killed three wolves in the Black Butte Pack after two calves were confirmed as killed by wolves. FWS reported that this area has had chronic wolf problems in the last several years. There are two radio-collared wolves remaining in the area. Jimenez said that control efforts have concluded for now.

“If we have more problems, we’ll go back,” he said.

Also on the same day, Wildlife Services killed a sub-adult wolf in the Upper Green River drainage. FWS reported that at least 18 cattle have been killed by wolves from the Green River Pack.

Then on Tuesday, Sept. 5, Wildlife Services was successful at killing the last adult pack member of the Green River Pack, along with a 50-pound pup. Jimenez said although there is a possibility that one pup survives in the area, control has now concluded.

On Aug. 31, Wildlife Services confirmed that three more calves were killed by wolves in the Prospect Mountain area east of Farson and was able to kill an adult male wolf found in the area. At least 16 calves have been killed by wolves in the Prospect area this summer. Jimenez reported that four other wolves have been seen in the area. This Prospect pack will be subject to continued attempts at removal by federal animal damage control officials.

So far this year, federal officials have killed 22 wolves in Sublette County in response to chronic livestock depredations.