from: Rick <whawks@twave.net>

For Immediate Release:
Contact: Dan Sobieck, External Affairs EA98-09
612/725-3737 x-221
Dan_Sobieck@mail.fws.gov

Reward Offered For Wolf Killed in St. Louis County

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for injuring a gray wolf on December 13 on Birch Lake near Babbitt, Minnesota in eastern St. Louis County. Because of the extent of its injuries, the wolf was later destroyed.

After receiving a call from a local resident, a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer found the critically injured wolf on Birch Lake. Snowmobile tracks on the lake surface indicated the animal had been struck twice by snowmobiles. Although still able to run after the initial strike, upon being struck a second time the animal suffered two broken legs and apparent internal injuries. After discovering the condition of the animal, the Conservation Officer was forced to destroy it. No arrests have been made in the case.

Because of their listing on the federal threatened species list, gray wolves are protected under the Endangered Species Act. The fine for "taking" (killing, harming or harassing) a threatened species such as the gray wolf within the United States is $25,000 and/or six months in federal prison. Protecting endangered and threatened species and restoring them to a secure status in the wild is the primary objective of the FWS endangered species program.

This illegal killing follows a related incident in Marshall County during the firearms deer season, when a radio-collared wolf was shot. The Marshall County wolf had been part of a research program conducted by biologists at the Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge near Middle River, Minnesota.

Anyone having information pertaining to these incidents should contact a FWS Special Agent at (218) 720-5357 or Turn In Poachers (TIP) at (800) 652-9093. Callers may remain anonymous. -FWS-

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