HAMILTON, Mont. (AP) -- A Hamilton-area sheep rancher shot and killed a wolf after finding the predator eating a lamb.

Julie Schram told the Ravalli Republic her husband spotted what he thought was a coyote Monday morning, so he grabbed his rifle and walked around the barn. He spotted the animal eating a lamb about 300 yards from the family's house and shot it. The predator was an 80-pound female wolf.

Fish, Wildlife and Parks regional supervisor Mack Long says the agency investigated the shooting and found it was a legitimate case of a rancher defending his livestock.

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Information from: Ravalli Republic, http://www.ravallirepublic.com

Copyright 2011 The AP.