BABBITT- Anthony Bremel, the local conservation officer for the Babbitt area cautioned pet owners to be aware of recent wolf attacks on pets, which may be more likely given the low deer population.
“There has been an uptick of reported sightings near homes in the area, wolves coming near people, buildings, pets, etc.,” said Bremel. “I have had three verified reports of wolf depredation on domestic dogs between Ely and Babbitt in the last couple weeks—two of which were killed, one of which was injured, and a fourth that was chased but not killed or injured. I personally have also seen several wolves lately with them often not showing much fear of humans.”
According to Bremel, federal Wildlife Services has established a trapping control zone in the area where the two dogs that were killed and took eight wolves within a very small trapping footprint.  “All of those wolves were described as ‘healthy but thin’. That would be consistent with the wolves that I have seen recently.”
Wildlife Services, an agency within the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, responds to wild animal complaints and depredation of livestock and domestic animals. “When Wildlife Services has verified damage (or) depredation, they will look at the site and determine if trapping is a feasible option,” said Bremel.
According to Bremel, Wildlife Services officials did use other deterrent methods initially after the first dog was killed, but resorted to trapping once the local wolves killed the second dog. “When wolves are trapped by Wildlife Services they almost always euthanize them, which is what happened in this circumstance,” said Bremel.
Concerning wolves and dogs, the the Wolf Care Science Team at the International Wolf Center in Ely recommended that:
• People with pets should try to avoid areas where wolves have been sighted until time passes or no additional wolf observations/incidents occur.
• Keep dogs on a leash. Wolves are less likely to approach with people present.
• Don’t allow dogs to run loose or range away and keep them in close contact and control.
• Don’t try to intervene if a dog is actively being attacked.
• Carry bear/pepper spray. It can be used to deter an attack.
• Don’t be tempted to feed wolves, even if they are looking underfed.