GARDINER – Last week, a mortality signal from a Yellowstone National Park collar led authorities to a wolf that appears to have died from a gunshot wound and was found in Wolf Management Unit (WMU) 313.

Evidence on site suggests the wolf was shot and had taken refuge in heavy cover. The carcass did not appear to have been tampered with or deliberately placed. Based upon the condition of the carcass, FWP believes this wolf was unknowingly wounded when the four other wolves harvested in WMU 313 were taken. In that circumstance, multiple hunters held multiple licenses and no wolves had previously been harvested within the WMU.

Hunters who knowingly wound animals they are pursuing are obligated to attempt to recover those animals. However, if recovery is impossible or hunters lose the trail, and the animal ultimately dies, there is no violation. Based upon the site visit and information gathered during the carcass inspection of the other wolves harvested in WMU 313, FWP is not investigating this circumstance as an illegal activity.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission established a quota of three wolves for WMU 313, which borders the northern boundary of Yellowstone National Park. WMU 313 was closed to wolf harvest on Oct. 26. On Oct. 25, FWP gave the public a 24-hour notice the season in WMU 313 would close. Hunting can legally occur within the 24-hour window after FWP notifies the public a quota is met.

For current wolf quota status and harvest numbers, see the Wolf Harvest Dashboard.