DULUTH (AP) - The federal program that controls wolves that attack or threaten farm animals or pets in Minnesota is in peril because of budget cuts by Congress.

Friday's budget agreement in the U.S. Congress effectively eliminates money for the USDA's Wildlife Services program.

The director for the program in Minnesota, Gary Nohrenberg, sent an e-mail to state Department of Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture officials saying that the program's operations are "in effect on a day-by-day basis."

State DNR officials say they'll seek the help of the Minnesota congressional delegation in finding money to continue wolf-depredation control.

The program lethally traps or shoots wolves that have attacked livestock or pets. In 2010, Hart's office investigated 272 wolf complaints and lethally trapped or shot 192 wolves.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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