Man pleads guilty to killing wolf inside Grand Teton National Park - East Idaho News
Wyoming

Man pleads guilty to killing wolf inside Grand Teton National Park

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MOOSE, Wyoming — A Wyoming man charged with killing a gray wolf inside Grand Teton National Park pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay a $5,040 fine.

The 56-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman, whose names have not been released, appeared in federal court after investigators say they illegally killed an uncollared young female wolf.

Park rangers say evidence was found on Jan. 1 that suggested illegal hunting activity was occurring on the eastern boundary of the park and near Spread Creek, according to a news release. Rangers identified a blood trail and followed it to the site where the wolf was killed. Investigators were then able to locate the suspects.

“The individuals were very cooperative during the investigation, and we believe there was no conscious intent to hunt within the national park,” Grand Teton National Park Chief Ranger Michael Nash said in a news release. “I commend our park rangers on their professional and timely investigation.”

In addition to the fine, the man was sentenced to one year of unsupervised probation and can not wolf hunt for one year. The woman’s charge was dismissed upon the resolution of the case.

Park officials remind all visitors that it is their responsibility to understand land ownership and rules and regulations concerning hunting in and around the park.

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