03/05/10

HELENA, Mont. (AP) _ Montana plans to give federal wildlife
agents more authority to kill wolves found near livestock that has
been killed.

Wildlife officials would be allowed to kill any wolves found
near a carcass without additional authorization, if they confirm
that the livestock had been killed by a wolf. Currently, agents
must call the state Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks for
instructions after confirming a wolf kill.

Fish, Wildlife and Parks Director Joe Maurier announced the
policy Friday before a legislative oversight committee. He says the
new policy will give wildlife officials more flexibility in
responding to problem wolves.

He says the policy will be implemented after undergoing final
revisions.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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