U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

NEWS RELEASE

U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
134 UNION BOULEVARD
LAKEWOOD, COLORADO 80228

January 30, 1997

Sharon Rose 303-236-7905
Terry Sexson 303-236-7905

REINTRODUCED WOLF FOUND SHOT--REWARD OFFERED

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering up to $1,000 for information leading to the individual or individuals responsible for shooting a large gray male wolf, #R-28, found dumped in the Madison River, 1/4 mile north of Gray Cliff near the fishing access on the Madison River in Gallatin County. The 150-pound wolf was the alpha male of the Nez Perce pack, but had not been traveling with the pack for several months. Earlier monitoring reports indicated it had been located in several locations, apparently alone. 

     If anyone has information about this incident, please contact:
     U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Billings Office, (406) 247-7355
     Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Bozeman Office
    (406) 994-4042
     -or-
     Gallatin County Sheriff Bill Slaughter (406) 582-2100

A necropsy will be performed on the wolf at Montana's Fish, Wildlife and Parks forensics laboratory in Bozeman. Initial reports indicate the wolf was shot several times and then dumped in the Madison River where it was picked up by agents with the Fish and Wildlife Service. The actual location of the shooting is unknown.

Biologists had been unable to locate R-28 for last five weeks so additional areas were being checked on their last monitoring flight. A mortality signal was received and biologists checked out the area on foot. The wolf was found frozen in the river; its collar was intact and functioning.

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