Idaho Wolf Illegally Shot Near Banner Summit.
Wolf-killer endangers drivers during illegal act.
6-23-2005
Here is a news release about an Idaho wolf that was just shot illegally from the highway between the north end of the Sawtooth Mountains the the Salmon River Range. Given the description of the individual and act, there is a chance this person can be caught and put away for a long time.
NEWS RELEASE
U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
OFFICE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
1387 S. VINNELL WAY, BOISE, IDAHO 83709
208-378-5333, FAX 208-378-5339
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2005
Contact: Craig Tabor, 208-378-5333
GRAY WOLF CONFIRMED SHOT NEAR BANNER SUMMIT, IDAHO
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) law enforcement agents have confirmed that a gray wolf was illegally shot around noon on Tuesday, June 21, south of Banner Summit (between Grandjean Road and Banner Summit) on Highway 21.
The incident was reported to the U.S. Forest Service at the Lowman Ranger Station by concerned citizens. The reporting party described the incident, indicating that as they rounded a bend in the highway, they observed a man with grey hair shoot a wolf that was standing on the road between the two vehicles. The individuals did not obtain a license plate number, but they reported observing the shooter standing near a newer-model black (or dark-colored) pickup truck that was pulling a large camp trailer. U.S. Forest Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game officers later located the carcass of a wolf in that area that appeared to have been shot.
The Service’s Office of Law Enforcement is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the driver of this vehicle. Craig Tabor, Service Resident Agent in Charge, said, “It’s bad enough that this person shot a wolf, apparently with no legal justification, but, from the description given, it sounds like he shot down the road at the wolf with an occupied vehicle in or near his line of sight. He may be very lucky this is not a homicide investigation.”
The killing of an animal protected under the endangered Species Act is punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 and one year in jail. A reward of up to $2,500.00 may be paid for information leading to a conviction of the person or persons responsible for the illegal shooting of this wolf. Persons with information about this case, or any other illegal gray wolf killings, are urged to contact Service’s Law Enforcement at (208) 378-5333. Callers may remain anonymous.
-- FWS --