BOZEMAN – State wildlife officials report wolves killed 12 domestic sheep on private land south of Dillon.
The agency also says wolves killed a guard dog on private land north of Helena.
USDA Wildlife Services confirmed the attacks earlier this week.
The 12 sheep were killed on the same property in the East Fork of the Blacktail where wolves killed at least 21 sheep and injured more than a dozen in two attacks in May.
State game wardens believe the Freezeout Pack was involved in all the attacks. The state has authorized the killing of remaining pack members.
North of Helena, USDA Wildlife Services personnel saw two adult wolves and two large mounds of dirt, indicating the possible presence of a den. Because pups may be present, a decision was made to trap, collar and release any adult wolves in the area.
The Northern Rocky Mountains gray wolf population was removed from the federal Endangered Species list in late March and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is now the lead agency for wolf conservation and management in Montana.
Wolves attacking livestock can only be killed if authorized by state wildlife officials or if the wolf is threatening to kill pets or livestock, or to protect human life.