Six protected gray wolves found dead during gun deer season
Deaths of federally listed endangered species are being investigated
MADISON – State and federal officials are investigating the deaths of six federally endangered gray wolves whose remains were found the day before and during the recently completed gun deer season. The remains of all of the animals have been or are being transported to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Health Lab in Madison for necropsy. Gunshot wounds were obvious in several of the animals.
Anyone with information to share in regard to the shooting of a wolf can call the toll-free Hotline at 800-TIP-WDNR (847-9367). The line is monitored 24 hours a day seven days a week. Callers may remain anonymous. Shooting a wolf is a violation of the federal Endangered Species Act and violators are subject to penalties including fine, jail time, confiscation of equipment and loss of hunting privileges.
The first wolf, found one day prior to the opening of the gun deer season, was an adult male, and was located by a DNR pilot homing in on a mortality signal being emitted from the wolf’s radio collar. The transmitter is programmed to switch to a mortality signal if the animal doesn’t move for a programmed period of time. The animal was captured and collared in Gogebic County Michigan in 2005 and had dispersed to the Ashland County area, where it had established a new territory.
Additional carcasses found during the deer season were an adult female in Monroe County; an adult female in Vilas County; an adult male in Rusk County, also wearing a radio collar; an adult female in Juneau County; and an adult male in Adams County.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Adrian Wydeven (714) 762-1363
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