WOLF CREEK — A wolf sanctuary near the tourist-based town of Wolf Creek initially seemed like a good fit for the wolves and the community. But words of welcome suddenly turned to threats of violence at a recent neighborhood barbecue, say officials at Howling Acres Wolf Sanctuary.

"They came unglued," said Sherrie LaBat, founder of the nonprofit operation which takes in abandoned and abused wolves raised by humans that are unable to live in the wild.

"They threatened to kill us and the wolves," she said.

Negotiations were going well on the bowl-shaped 100-acre property known as Golden Coyote Wetlands, said LaBat. The former mining site is currently undergoing reclamation efforts, and is surrounded by Bureau of Land Management proprerty on three sides.

"The property was perfect for us," LaBat said.

In February, Howling Acres put on their first of two community meetings, said Howling Acres President Paul Muller.

"We had about 130 people," Muller said. "Only five had reservations and only one spoke up and said 'never in my backyard.' "

But neighbors on nearby Coyote Creek Road say they don't want the sanctuary moving to the area, resident Terry Mancuso said.

"Who wants 29 wolves down there barking and howling?" Mancuso said. "If they care about the wolves, they won't bring them here."

Concerns about traffic, Concerns about traffic, tours, noise and restrictions on traditional uses such as off-road vehicles caused her to start a petition drive against the project, she said.

"We had over 140 or some people sign the petition," Mancuso said. "We're not wolf-haters. But we have the right to say 'we don't want you in our neighborhood.'"

The controversy made for uneasy exchanges at a second meeting hosted by fellow Coyote Creek resident and Howling Acres advisory board member Judith Franklin.

Muller said the level of hostility from some of the 150 people attending the community barbecue came as a surprise.

"It was a barbecue," Muller said. "We just didn't know we were going to get roasted."

Mancuso said the group had asked for community input, and disputes the threat claim.

"We were civil," Mancuso said. "One guy said 'I'll go target practicing on wolves.' But I think the guy was running off at the mouth."

Franklin was aware of resistance to the move.

She has her own concerns about placing the sanctuary in the rural but populated area, she said.

"I was never really for the wolves being in Coyote Creek simply due to the population density," she said.

But Franklin was upset threats were made.

"There were threats made ­-- both at the meeting and the next day by phone," Franklin said. "I am disappointed."

The sanctuary is moving from its current location in Williams because the property limits their maximum capacity at 29 wolves. And also because of vandalism by hostile neighbors, LaBat said.

"They keep painting over our signs," LaBat said, adding that her home has been damaged as well.

Three neighbors living near the Williams wolf center challenged the sanctuary's zoning in 2002. Although Josephine County Commissioners ultimately sided with LaBat in the zoning battle, the battle cost Howling Acres about $80,000 in legal fees.

Williams and Wolf Creek are off the list of potential locations.

"We were treated very badly," LaBat said. "And we've exhausted everything in Wolf Creek."

LaBat is determined to find a bigger, better and safer home for her wolves, she said.

"We're hoping somebody in the state of Oregon has some property and wouldn't mind some wolves living on it," said LaBat.

A new wolf center could feature a vet clinic, an educational center and room to take in more wolves and wolf-hybrids, LaBat said.

A perfect property would be from someone who needs a tax donation on 40 or more acres — with few neighbors and easy access to Interstate 5, Muller said.

The center gets daily calls from people who mistakenly thought it would be a good idea to have a pet wolf — and now want to get rid of it, LaBat said.

Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail sspecht@mailtribune.com.