Story highlights 19 dead elk found near Jackson, Wyoming, state wildlife official says

A pack of nine wolves slaughtered the herd in night, official says

(CNN) A pack of wolves slaughtered a herd of elk in one night, Wyoming wildlife officials said Friday.

Nineteen elk, mostly calves, were found dead several days ago at a feeding ground near Bondurant, a town southeast of Jackson, said John Lund of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. A contractor delivering feed to the herd discovered the dead animals.

Lund said wildlife officials are concerned because wolves usually eat what they kill or come back later to feed.

The pack suspected of killing the elks has nine wolves, he added.

There are about 1,100 elk in the area, he said, and about 7% of the population has been lost to wolves this winter.