Yellowstone’s Celebrity Wolves Killed in Montana’s Wolf Hunt

The authorized wolf hunt in Montana was a bit too effective this year.  Hunters killed nine wolves in the state wilderness area along the northern border of Yellowstone National Park.  Four of the wolves killed were from the park’s Cottonwood Pack, including the pack’s breeding female and the state’s celebrity wolves.  The dead even included radio-collared wolves that were part of Yellowstone’s wolf studies and were featured on PBS and Discovery Channel programs.

Wildlife commissioners suspended the wolf hunt last week after state officials became concerned about the heavy killing in the area.  Critics point out there is no livestock in the wilderness area, meaning the wolves are being slaughtered for no good reason.

“We’ve missed the mark a little this first year,” said Carolyn Sime, lead wolf biologist for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.  Turns out that killing wolves was easier than expected.

Story at Investigate West