The California U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is investigating the shooting of an endangered gray wolf found in Modoc County in December 2018.
The male wolf, OR-59, was wearing a GPS collar and was shot by a .22-caliber bullet.
Taking, shooting, injuring or killing a wolf are violations of the Endangered Species Act, and can result in a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $100,000 fine.
USFWS has posted a reward of $2,500 for information relating to the killing, and environmental group Center for Biological Diversity increased the award by $5,000.
“Whatever you think of wolves, poaching is wrong and cowardly. We hope someone steps forward with information leading to the killer’s prosecution,” said Amaroq Weiss, an advocate at CBD.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the USFWS Office of Law Enforcement, Sacramento Field Office at 916-569-8444.
