An extra $51,000 will fund federal wolf collaring and killing in Montana, thanks to a contribution by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. “The payment is made to (U.S.) Wildlife Services,” said Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks spokesman Ron Aasheim. “We’re just involved in the direction of how it’s used. We’re charged with managing wolves, and that’s what they’ve offered – to provide money that’s in line with what we’re currently doing.” FWP contracts with Wildlife Services to catch wolves for radio-collar monitoring, and to shoot wolves suspected of killing domestic livestock or pets. The Missoula-based Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has been a vocal advocate of tougher wolf management. “RMEF supporters have stepped up to help biologists restore some balance in certain areas,” RMEF president David Allen said in an email. “Wildlife Services is a vital tool for controlling wolves in areas of heavy livestock depredation. That effort helps wildlife conservation, too.” The foundation raised the money from direct donations, and did not use any of its membership or habitat funds, Allen said. Since January, Montana wolves have killed nine cattle and are suspected of killing three more. They’ve also killed seven sheep, with four more probable wolf victims. Wildlife Services hunters have shot seven wolves and trapped one, while FWP biologists have trapped and collared two more. Hunters killed 45 wolves in the winter portion of the 2011-12 wolf season. Another six died of other causes...more
The article doesn't mention it, but I'm sure the little wolfies have munched on elk which is the foundation's primary interest.
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