An investigation into the death of three endangered gray wolves now has a hefty reward tied to it. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the case started on December 29, 2023, when they found three dead wolves in Oregon. The agency is now offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest, criminal conviction, or civil penalty.

Officials say back in December, the tracking collars of two wolves showed a “mortality signal.” Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division troopers headed to the area near Klamath and Lake Counties. The site is known for wolf activity and sits just north of the state’s border with California. 

When they arrived, they found two dead collared wolves, the breeding pair from the Gearhart Mountain Pack and an additional young adult wolf.

Gray wolves are a protected species despite being the center of a conservation debate. Wildlife experts have worked for 30 years to bring wolves back to the lower 48 states. Most recently, Colorado Parks and Wildlife took significant steps in revitalization efforts.

Wolves can now be found throughout most of Oregon. Wildlife officials estimate there are around 178 wolves in the state. 

Killing a gray wolf can result in fines and even jail time.

Anyone with information about the three wolves found dead should call either the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at (503) 682-6131 or the Oregon State Police Dispatch at (800) 452-7888. You can also email [email protected]. All tips can remain anonymous.

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