DNA tests confirm animal killed in Utah trap was gray wolf

By Associated Press Wednesday, February 24th 2016

DNA tests confirm animal killed in Utah trap was gray wolf (Image: MGN)

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) Utah authorities say DNA tests confirm an animal accidently killed in a coyote snare last year was a gray wolf.
Officials said Wednesday that biologists thought the animal found near the Wyoming state line was a wolf when it was found in November, but conducted DNA tests to make sure it wasn't a dog hybrid.
Wolves are not listed as an endangered species in the area west of Randolph, Utah. Officials say they get a handful of reports every year of wolves coming into the state from nearby Wyoming or Idaho.
Utah law generally prohibits purposely killing wolves unless they are attacking livestock or threatening a person, but there are allowances for accidental deaths.
Mark Hadley with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources says the trapper won't face charges.

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