DULUTH (AP) - Six dogs have been killed by wolves in northern Minnesota in the last five weeks, outpacing last year's total for the entire state.

Most incidents have happened near Duluth. Four other dogs have been seriously hurt.

Controls on gray wolves in Minnesota have been limited since a federal judge put the animal back on the endangered species list in December. Now, Minnesota residents can only kill wolves in defense of human life.

Minnesota also can't hold managed wolf hunts, but if an attack on pets or wildlife is confirmed, federal officials can trap and kill wolves within a half mile of where it happened.

State officials say residents near wolves shouldn't panic, but should take precautions, such as feeding pets inside and fencing yards.

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