Individuals with information about illegal activities can call the tip line, 24 hours a day, and leave a message for federal wildlife law enforcement agents. The message will ask for the callers identity and specific information on the incident. The callers identity will be used only by law enforcement agents to gather additional information and administer any rewards. The callers identity will not be released. Callers observing a crime in progress should contact their state TIP line or local law enforcement authorities for immediate assistance.
Gray Wolves are currently protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act and additional state laws in all three states. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services works in partnership with the states to protect wolves and prosecute individuals who unlawfully harm or kill wolves. Individuals convicted of harming or killing wolves are guilty of a Federal misdemeanor, under the Endangered Species Act, and can face a fine of up to $100,000 and/or up to one year in jail. Each of the states can also impose additional fines and jail sentences under their respective wildlife protection laws.
Wolf numbers are steady or increasing in many parts of the Upper Midwest, said Assistant Regional Director for Law Enforcement Richard Marks. Unfortunately, these population increases have also led to increased incidents of wolves being injured or killed. In the last few years we have investigated a number of incidents where wolves have been intentionally run over with snowmobiles, trapped, or shot. With this tip line, individuals can easily provide us with valuable information to help us investigate, and hopefully prevent, these types of incidents. Wolves have made a strong comeback, but they are not safe yet. They need the continued protection of informed citizens and state and federal wildlife agencies.
State Tip Lines:
Minnesota - 1-800-652-9093
Michigan - 1-800-292-7800
Wisconsin - 1-800-847-9367
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 93-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System comprising more than 500 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands, and other special management areas. It also operates 66 national fish hatcheries and 78 ecological services field stations.
The agency enforces federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Aid program that distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state wildlife agencies. For further information about the programs and activities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the Great Lakes-Big Rivers Region, please visit our home page at: http://www.fws.gov/r3pao/
