Female wolf apparently killed by train near Libby
The alpha female in the Wolf Prairie wolf pack was found dead near railroad tracks southeast of Libby last week.
A Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad worker found the wolf Feb. 21 and reported it to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks the following day.
The carcass was retrieved and biologists initially concluded it appeared to have been hit by a train. The incident is still under investigation and the carcass is going to a wildlife laboratory in Bozeman to determine the exact cause of death.
The Wolf Prairie Pack includes about eight wolves that range in the Wolf Creek and Little Wolf Creek drainages. Biologists say that without the alpha female, it is unlikely the pack will produce pups this spring.
Wolves breed in February.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks urges anyone who sees a wolf to call Kent Laudon at 751-4586 or submit a report on the Internet at: