U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement agents have recently confirmed poisoning as the cause of death of a gray wolf in Idaho, and are seeking information from the public to help solve the crime.
The collared wolf, known as B-143, was found to have been killed by a poison known as Compound 1080. The animals carcass was found 6 miles northwest of Clayton, Idaho, in the Squaw Creek Drainage on May 18, 2003.
Compound 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, water soluble, highly toxic chemical. The misuse of this chemical is unlawful. This chemical can be ingested by livestock, family pets, hikers, and children and can result in death from respiratory failure, seizures and heart attack. Animals or small children are most susceptible to poisoning due to ingestion, but the substances toxins can also enter animal or human bloodstreams through contact with abraded skin or wounds, or through the respiratory system if dust particles are inhaled.
"We are very interested in finding whoever is responsible for the crime. If anyone has information about the illegal killing of wolves, please contact the Services law enforcement division. Callers may remain anonymous," said Scott Kabasa, a Special Agent in the Services Boise field office.
The killing of an animal protected under the Endangered Species Act is punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 and one year in jail. The Service is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to an arrest or conviction of the person or persons responsible for the poisoning of wolves. Service law enforcement agents may be reached at (208) 378-5333.
-FWS-
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plantsand their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 95 million acre National Wildlife Refuge System which encompasses 542 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 70 national fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resource offices and 81 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 fish and wildlife agencies.
