Poachers kill three wolves

Three wolves have been illegally killed in the North Fork Flathead River drainage in recent weeks, and a Columbia Falls man has been found guilty of poaching two of them.

Two wolves were shot and left along the Whale Creek Road north of Polebridge the morning of Oct. 9.

A concerned citizen reported finding the wolves to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wardens.

The Columbia Falls man, who was not identified by the state wildlife agency, since has pleaded guilty in Flathead County Justice Court to killing two wolves out of season. He was assessed fines and restitution totaling $1,135.

Wardens are seeking information about the illegal shooting of another wolf that was found dead Oct. 25 in the North Fork's Red Meadow area.

Anyone with information about the poaching is urged to call 1-800-TIPMONT.