Wolf Attacks On Livestock, Pets Hit Record Level

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Federal officials say a record number of pets and livestock were killed by wolves in Minnesota in 2010.

Wolves attacked 139 livestock animals and birds and 23 dogs. Fifteen of the 23 dog attacks were fatal. One-hundred-30 complaints verified by federal officials are 31 percent higher than the five-year average.

Minnesota's wolf population is estimated between 2,200 and 3,500. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services trapped 192 problem wolves last year.

Under federal law, wolves in Minnesota can be killed by the public only to protect human life. Federal and state officials can kill wolves that attack domestic animals.

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