Idaho governor supports Montana wolf plan

Gov. Butch Otter supports a decision by Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer that would make it easier for ranchers and the state to kill that state's endangered wolves. The decision is very similar to one made by Otter in October. "They're pretty much identical with one exception," said Otter spokesman Jon Hanian. Schweitzer stated in a letter to Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar dated Feb. 16 that he is directing Montana game wardens not to prosecute any rancher or other livestock owner who killed a wolf that was harassing stock. In addition, Schweitzer stated he would order the department to remove whole packs that prey on livestock, as well as wolves that prey on elk in Montana's Bitterroot Valley near Missoula. These actions are legal with federal approval in some circumstances, but not in this case. The wolves Schweitzer is threatening to remove are north of Interstate 90, which means they are classified as "endangered" rather than "experimental."...more