'Killed this here critter': outrage after US rancher shoots rare wolverine

Source: The Guardian

'Killed this here critter': outrage after US rancher shoots rare wolverine

A North Dakota rancher shot and killed the first wolverine
documented in the state for more than 150 years, allegedly
saying it was a threat to his cows

Sam Levin in San Francisco
Friday 13 May 2016 21.20 BST

A North Dakota rancher fatally shot the first wolverine documented in the state in more than 150 years, outraging wildlife advocates across the US who said the killing was cruel and unnecessary.

The rancher, who allegedly posted photos of the dead wolverine on Facebook, with the caption “killed this here critter out tormenting the cows”, was justified in shooting the animal, according to state wildlife officials, who said the wolverine had traveled in numerous states in the west.

“If there’s a situation where their livestock or property is in danger, they have the ability to take out the animal,” said Greg Link, chief of conservation and communication with the North Dakota game and fish department. “The statute says you can protect your personal property.”

Link said the state investigated the shooting, which happened last month but spread on social media this week, and determined that the killing complied with state laws.

Wildlife officials had originally placed a transmitter on the wolverine, identified as M-56, when the animal was located south of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming in 2008, according to Link. The wolverine, a male who was eight or nine years old, was healthy when he was killed and had also previously traveled to Colorado, he said.

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Read more: http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/13/north-dakota-wolverine-shot-rancher-150-years