Yellowstone National Park has announced the death of a white alpha female wolf, and a post-mortem report has revealed that the popular animal had suffered a gunshot wound.
The female was one of three known white wolves in America’s first national park. According to an official press-release from park officials, the animal was remarkably old. “She lived to 12 years, twice the age of an average wolf in the park.”
The animal was found by hikers, but was still alive at the time of the discovery. The wolf was later euthanized due to the severity of its injuries.
The wolf is said to have had a broad range extended from the Firehole River area, to Hayden, Valley, and to the northern reaches of the park. In the park statement the animal was described as one of the most recognizable wolves, and was sought after by visitors to view and photograph.
National Park Service law enforcement believes the wolf was shot on the north side of the park, near Gardiner, or near the Old Yellowstone Trail which is located in the park on the northern boundary. The incident likely occurred sometime between April 10 at 1 a.m. and April 11 at 2 p.m.
A reward of $5,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the responsible parties. The official Yellowstone statement describing the incident as a “criminal act.”
If you have information about this incident that could help with this investigation, officials are asking you to please contact the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch.
Tips can remain confidential.
CALL the ISB Tip Line 888-653-0009
TEXT to 202-379-4761
ONLINE www.nps.gov/isb and click “Submit a Tip”
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