DNA Analysis Confirms Animal Killed was Gray Wolf

DENVER—After an extensive analysis by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Forensics Laboratory in Ashland, Ore., we have confirmed that the animal killed near Kremmling, Colo. on April 29, was a gray wolf (Canis lupus). 

The animal was shot by a legal coyote hunter, who immediately notified Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), which then notified the Service.  The gray wolf is protected by both the federal government and the State of Colorado as an endangered species.  The Service routinely investigates incidents affecting endangered species and will conduct this investigation with the assistance of CPW.