Wash. rancher may shoot wolf that killed calf

Washington state officials have given a Stevens County rancher permission to shoot a wolf after confirming that a wolf recently killed one of his calves.

Department of Fish and Wildlife issued a permit to the owner of Diamond M Ranch in northeast Washington allowing him to shoot the animal if it is caught attacking his cattle again.

The Spokesman-Review says ( http://bit.ly/OFr5Qt) state officials are prepared to use other measures such as floodlights and rubber bullets to protect livestock.

The rancher reported Wednesday that his calf and cow had been injured. Wildlife officials later confirmed that a wolf injured two animals and killed a calf.

The rancher will be eligible for compensation through a state program.

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Information from: The Spokesman-Review, http://www.spokesman.com

The Associated Press