Possible wolves spotted in Polson

Polson Police and Confederated Salish-Kootenai tribal wildlife officials recently responded to a report of wolves being spotted in a Polson residential area.

A resident in the Hillcrest Lane and Polson Catholic Cemetery area on the east side of town reported Dec. 28 that she saw about two dozen deer being chased through her yard by what she believed were two wolves, one black and one gray.

A tribal biologist measured and photographed tracks. He determined that the spacing between the tracks and the size of the tracks were consistent with wolf tracks, but definitive verification was not possible.

Polson Police received a call from the same area on Dec. 30 regarding a partially consumed mule deer carcass.

Wolves usually use rural habitat and tend to avoid close contact with people, but they do occasionally use habitats near humans, particularly in forested areas.

Wolves use roads, trails, utility corridors and railroad right-of-ways. They also feed and rest in open areas with good visibility.

Despite being protected by both Montana and tribal laws, wolves that are aggressive toward humans can be killed in self-defense when there is imminent danger to humans or domestic animals.

Assistant Police Chief Clinton Cottle said there have been no similar sightings or reports so far this week.