Frigid temperatures this weekend prompt cold weather advisories

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a $2,500 reward for information tied to the illegal killing of three gray wolves in northern Minnesota.


The wolves were discovered last month dead off the road off Minnesota Highway 8 near Floodwood, about 45 miles west of Duluth, agency spokesperson Tina Shaw said. "We'd love the public's help in closing the case."


It's illegal to kill a wolf in Minnesota except in self-defense. Otherwise it can lead to six months in jail and a fine of up to $25,000. A federal judge placed Great Lakes wolves 

"The wolf carcasses were discovered in a pile in the ditch just off the shoulder of the road, as though someone had driven up and dumped them off the edge of the shoulder," Shaw said.

A USFWS agent told Shaw they were frozen solid and in perfect condition. "There's a good chance that they were dumped there the night before they were called in," on Jan. 22, she added. 

Evidence supports that the wolves were killed elsewhere and purposely moved to where they were found, she said. "There appear to be marks from a snare on the necks of the wolves," Shaw said. 

The wolves were taken to the USFWS wildlife forensics lab in Ashland, Ore., for testing. 

Rewards have led to arrests in the past, Shaw noted. People with information should call the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' Turn in Poachers TIP line 1-800-652-9093.

Crime, Law and Justice

Environmental News

Minnesota News

Greater Minnesota

NewsPartners

Dan Kraker

Author

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a $2,500 reward for information tied to the illegal killing of three gray wolves in northern Minnesota near Floodwood.

Feds probe northern Minn. wolf killings, offer reward for information

Go Deeper.

Like this?