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Rancher Claims Employee Shot Wolf Pack Mother
2 Jun
Summary
- Wolf mother killed March 10 on a large ranch in northern Colorado.
- Rancher claims employee shot wolf in defense of calves.
- Investigation will determine if the killing violated state laws.
A ranch owner in Colorado has stated that her ranch hand shot and killed the mother of the King Mountain wolf pack on March 10. The incident took place on a 20,000-acre ranch located in northern Eagle and southern Routt counties. Colorado Parks and Wildlife, in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is currently investigating the wolf's death. This event will challenge the state's legal protections for endangered predators, which permit lethal action only under specific circumstances.
The ranch owner, Susan Nottingham, reported that the wolf was killed while actively approaching calves. She claims her ranch hand fired warning shots before the third, fatal shot. Nottingham believes the action was justified to protect her livestock during the crucial calving season. The outcome of the investigation by Colorado Parks and Wildlife will determine if the killing was legally permissible or if charges will be filed against the ranch hand, carrying potential penalties of up to $100,000 and one year in jail.
