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http://www.ktuu.com/news/ktuu-residents-take-wolves-on-their-120910,0,556638.story
State kills 12 wolves near Port Heiden
Aggressive wolves have killed six dogs
by Jackie Bartz Channel 2 News 8:56 a.m. AKST, December 10, 2010
PORT HEIDEN, Alaska —
A day after Port Heiden residents were able to kill one more aggressive wolf, bringing their tally to seven, the state was able to kill 12 from the air Thursday, hoping to alleviate the town's problems with the aggressive animals.
Port Heiden residents woke up Thursday to wolf tracks in backyards, while a plane from the state flew overhead to spot them. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is working with troopers to kill aggressive wolves that have killed several pets in the area.
The state flew over the village looking for any signs of wolf packs, but residents say they aren't waiting around for outside help.
The town is quiet – too quiet. Dogs are locked inside and children stay behind windows. The only thing that brought people outside was the roar of a snowmachine after a successful hunt.
“On the way home we happened to get it,” said James Chrestensen.
His hunting partner shot the wolf Wednesday evening.
“The kids shot at it over there and missed it so we took the snowmachines and chased it, tracked it down and got it over here a little ways,” Chrestensen said.
Village residents call it retribution. “At least we’re getting less of them,” Chrestensen said.
Wolves have killed six dogs – a daschund puppy on a walk with its owners and a pregnant female drug off the porch and killed by a pack of six in front of its owners among them.
“Scared all the time, scared that it’s going to be a kid or it’s going to be an adult that gets attacked next,” Bob Chrestensen said.
Residents patrol the streets day and night, hoping to hear a howl, spot a track, or catch a flash of green eyes.
Many days go without gun shots, but the guns are there, ready to protect the town.
The State plans to use fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters to shoot the wolves from the air.
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