PORTLAND, Oregon – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife are seeking information regarding the illegal killing of a federally listed endangered gray wolf in Klickitat County, Washington. The Service is offering up to a $10,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest, a criminal conviction, or civil penalty assessment.
On December 17, 2024, WDFW staff investigated the death of an adult male gray wolf. This incident occurred northeast of Trout Lake, Washington. This wolf was the last remaining member of the Big Muddy Pack and is the second wolf that was illegally killed in Klickitat County this year.
In late September or October 2024, a second wolf located near Goldendale, Washington, died from a gunshot wound that led to its starvation over the course of days or possibly weeks after it dragged itself to a water source without the use of its back legs (Press Release Link). Five wolves have been illegally killed in Washington this year and four remain under active investigation.
The Service and WDFW are conducting a joint investigation. Anyone with information about this case should call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service using the FWS TIPs line at 1-844-FWS-TIPS (1-844-397-8477), or https://www.fws.gov/wildlife-crime-tips, or call WDFW at 877-933-9847 or send an email to reportpoaching@dfw.wa.gov. Callers may remain anonymous.
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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit https://www.fws.gov/about/region/pacific and connect with us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Flickr, and YouTube.
