Over $30,000 Offered In Montana Wolf Poaching Investigation
In Montana, wolf hunting is legal, but it is heavily regulated with clear seasons, boundaries, and requirements. When those rules are broken, the consequences are steep and draw far more attention than something like someone keeping an extra fish. That is exactly what is happening now after a wolf was illegally killed near Gardiner.
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What began as a modest reward for information has grown substantially. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks first announced a $1000 reward while asking the public for tips. Since then, two groups have stepped in. The Large Carnivore Fund and Wolves of the Rockies have added an extra $30,000.
The investigation started after wildlife officials received a signal from a tracking collar that showed the wolf had died. The signal was last recorded in the Jardine area, just north of Yellowstone National Park. When game wardens searched the location, they found the collar thrown into a tree, but no sign of a wolf.
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According to state officials, the area where the wolf was killed falls within a designated wolf management zone that had already closed to hunting.
“This area is in wolf management unit 313, which closed to wolf hunting on Nov. 16. However, game wardens believe the collared wolf was killed around 10 p.m. on Dec. 25. No further information is available.” - Montana FWP Official Report
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Do You Have Any Tips For This Case?
State wildlife officials are urging anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward. Tips can be provided anonymously HERE.
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