First sheep killed by wolf in Whitman County; ranchers, farmers advised to secure fences

The first sheep kill attributed to a wolf has been reported in Whitman County in southeast Washington. The ewe was found dead Friday after it strayed from a flock near Lamont, apparently through a break in an electric fence. "We've ruled it a probable wolf kill," said Joey McCanna with the state Fish and Wildlife Department, noting that the investigation didn't come up with all the evidence needed for a confirmation. However, location of the wounds, canine teeth punctures and a broken femur indicated wolf, he said. McCanna told The Spokesman-Review that other ranchers and farmers in the area are being alerted to secure their livestock with fences. They also are advised to make sure any carcasses are buried to avoid attracting coyotes and wolves. The dead ewe was one of several sheep that had strayed from the flock where there was a breakdown in their enclosure of three-strand electric fence, McCanna said...more