Reward offered in death of wolf in U.P.

 

May 12, 2012 

ENGADINE -- A reward is being offered in the poaching of a wolf found fatally shot in late April in Mackinac County, the state Department of Natural Resources said Friday.
Wolves are a protected species in Michigan, and the animals may be legally killed only under specific circumstances, such as if they're attacking livestock or threatening people. Almost 700 wolves are believed to roam across the Upper Peninsula.
"Now that wolves have been removed from the endangered species list and are under state management, there are effective means in place to deal with wolves that are causing property damage or that are perceived safety threats," said Lt. Skip Hagy of the DNR's Law Enforcement Division in Newberry.
In December, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed wolves living in Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota from the federal endangered species list.
The penalty for illegally killing a wolf is up to 90 days in jail and fines of up to $1,000, plus restitution of $1,500. Convicted poachers also lose hunting privileges for at least four years.
Additional penalties could be lodged under federal law.
Anyone with information is asked to call the DNR at 800-292-7800. The reward is for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the case.

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