An Idaho Fish and Game official says coyotes are likely to be

responsible for last week's attack on dogs in the Silver

Valley.

By KELSEY SAINTZ

Hagadone News Network

WALLACE - Idaho Fish and Game official Josh Stanley confirmed Friday morning after an investigation that an attack on domestic dogs Wednesday was not done by wolves.

"After looking at the scene," he said, "there was definitely a dog attack, but there's not conclusive (evidence) there were wolves ... I just could not find evidence of wolf tracks, even in the snow."

One domestic dog was killed in the attack, which was about a mile north of Wallace, and another sustained bite wounds to its face.

Stanley said he tracked a 100-yard radius around the home where the attack took place and said he found canine tracks that he believes were from dogs or possibly coyotes.

"Because of injury sustained, it'd have to be a pretty aggressive coyote," he said.

He said this was the first report this year of a possible wolf attack, but they've had them in the past.

"It's definitely something we respond to and that we want to look at," he said.

And since wolves are on everyone's brain, he said, that may be the first thought when their animals get attacked.

Stanley said citizens may only shoot wolves if they have a hunting tag or in order to protect their domestic animals and livestock if they're being attacked.

Earlier Press story: Dogs attacked by wolf pack