The Murphy Lake Pack is a naturally-formed wolf pack that inhabits extreme northwestern Montana, up against the Idaho and British Columbia borders. One or more of them appear to have made their second domestic sheep kill of the year this week.

On June 22 they were suspected of killing 25 domestic sheep near Trego, Montana [Note: for reference, Trego is near the larger town of Eureka, MT]. This week they killed two more sheep.

 Animal Damage Control is out in aircraft looking for the wolf or wolves responsible. Two of the pack is radio-collared, making them easier to find. The targeted wolf will be killed.

This pack dates back to 1991. In 1996 the pack consisted of nine wolves.  There were an unknown number of pups born this spring. I spend several days in the area three years ago hoping to see or hear these wolves.

I understand these local sheep owners are complaining to a sympathetic media. I am trying to get some of this media so see what they are saying. I don't think the death of 30 sheep is going to lay waste to NW Montana economy. Remember that Defenders of Wildlife reimburses for these wolf kills of livestock.