Kitzhaber signs 'last resort' wolf-killing bill

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Gov. John Kitzhaber has signed a bill allowing the state to resume killing wolves that make a habit of attacking livestock.

The governor signed the measure Friday, making Oregon the only state in the West where killing wolves that attack livestock is a last resort.

The measure puts into law provisions of a settlement between conservation groups and ranchers. The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted other provisions of the settlement a week ago.

Ranchers will get new rights to shoot wolves that they see attacking their herd, but only if the attacks have become chronic and the ranchers can show they've taken nonlethal steps to try and stop them.

The Oregon Court of Appeals has blocked the state from killing wolves for more than a year.