Despite rumors circulating on social media, Montana State Game Warden Tamie Laverdure-Fitchett said there are no confirmed sightings of wolves near populated areas of Libby.

A post on a local Facebook discussion page last weekend advised followers that a pack of four adult wolves was spotted prowling near Fireman’s Park. Laverdure-Fitchett said she had been made aware of multiple reports of the animals in town, but could not verify them.

There also are rumors of coyote-wolf hybrids in the area, she said, but they likewise remained unconfirmed.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks estimated the number of wolves statewide last year at 819, down from 854 in 2017. The state agency concluded that wolves were behind the deaths of 71 livestock, primarily cattle. Wolves reportedly killed two dogs last year.

In the same period, 60 wolves were killed, 43 by wildlife services and 17 by private citizens.

Although Laverdure-Fitchett has not seen any first-hand evidence of wolves near town, she encourages anyone who spots a wolf to take a photo and contact her. She can be reached at tlaverdure@mt.gov.