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to modify wolf behavior. Non-lethal techniques specifically intended to modify wolf behaviors can be aversive or 

 disruptive (Bangs and Shivik 2(X)1 ). Aversive stimuli cause discomfort or pain to the animal after a wolf 

 demonstrates certain behaviors. Tlie repeated negative experience associated with certain behaviors may condition 

 the animal to not ref>eat that behavior. Examples are taste aversion or electric shock collars. Disruptive stimuli 

 attempt to prevent or alter behaviors by disrupting the animal when it l>chavcs in undesirable ways. When disrupted 

 by the stimuli, the animal is supposed to retreat. Examples are noise makers or siren devices triggered when a wolf 

 approaches livcsttKk too closely. The research arm of WS is actively investigating the utility and effectiveness of 

 these techniques to avert wolf conflicts with livestock (Bangs and Shivik 2001). At present, these protocols are 

 experimental and their efficacy is being evaluated. 



MFWP will emphasize non-lethal management techniques if there are fewer than 15 wolf packs. Furthermore, in 

 backcountry settings and for public lands near national parks, non-lethal methods will be preferred over lethal 

 methods. In mixed land ownership patterns, non-lethal methods could also be used. 



Livestock producers (or their agents) may non-lethally harass wolves when they are close to livestock on pubUc or 

 private lands. Private citizens may also non-lethally harass wolves that come close to homes, domestic pets, or 

 people. The intent in allowing private citizens and livestock producers to non-lethally harass wolves is to avert a 

 potential conflict by discouraging wolves from habituating to people or frequently visiting areas near livestock. 



Sterilization procedures have some application for reducing wolf population increases under certain conditions 

 (Haight and Mech 1997). Field-testing is currently underway in Alaska. 



Lethal Methods 



Wolf populations are strongly influenced by human-caused mortality. Wolves became extinct in Montana because 

 of intensive human exploitation, and they ultimately recolonized after legal protections were instituted. Human- 

 caused mortality still influences wolf populations today (Pletscheret al. 1997, Bangs et al. 1998). 



Managing human-caused mortality will be an important component of wolf population management. However, 

 MFWP management actions must also take into account other sources of wolf mortality that are beyond our ability 

 to manage, such as car/train strikes. MFWP also recognizes that wolves may die because of illegal activities. The 

 total of legal and illegal mortality, natural mortality, and random events will be the primary mechanism by which 

 wolf numbers will change. Population monitoring will provide the necessary data on which decisions will be based, 

 so that management can be adjusted accordingly without jeopardizing population welfare. 



Legal Wolf Mortality -- Wolves could die in Montana for a variety of legal reasons. 



Recent revisions to Montana statutes, which go into effect upon delisting, allow private citizens to kill a wolf if it is 

 threatening human life or domestic dogs. Livestock producers or their agents could also kill a wolf if it is attacking, 

 killing, or threatening to kill livestock - regardless of whether the incident takes place on public or private land. 

 Any incident in which a wolf is injured or killed in defense of life or property must be reported to MFWP as soon as 

 possible, but within 72 hours. The entire carcass must be returned to MFWP. 



Upon confirming wolf depredation on livestock, WS may initiate lethal control actions subject to a Memorandum of 

 Understanding between WS. MDOL, and MFWP. MFWP may also approve lethal control of the offending animal 

 by livestock owners or their agents. A special kill permit (issued by MFWP) is required for any lethal control of any 

 legally classified wildlife in Montana, unless there is an imminent threat to a person, dog, or livestock. If a wolf is 

 killed on a special permit, the incident must be reported to MFWP as soon as possible, but within 72 hours. The 

 entire carcasses must be returned. 



MFWP intends to provide opportunities for regulated public harvest of wolves through hunting and trapping as the 

 wolf population increases and it becomes appropriate to do so. Harvest management would proceed adaptively. but 

 all hunting and trapping would be cease if wolf packs totaled fewer than 1.*). As the number of packs increases 

 beyond 15, MFWP will as.sess population status and analyze potential management aitcrnatixes. A harvesl-onented 

 alternative could be selected and the fonnal recommendations drafted. Then, MFWP solicits public comment on the 

 proposal. A final recommendation is forwarded to the MFWP Commission for their consideration. This process 

 would be similar to what is currently done for all other game or forbearing species. Through public input and 



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