Two wolves shot to death

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating the recent shooting of two wolves on the Flathead National Forest.

The carcasses were found on the same day, Nov. 6, in different locations on the forest.

One was found along Coal Creek Road in the North Fork Flathead drainage and the other in the Miller Creek area west of Olney.

Both animals appeared to have been shot, a press release from the Fish and Wildlife Service states.

Killing wolves in the Northern Rockies is a violation of the Endangered Species Act.

Last year, Montana had its first-ever managed legal wolf hunt after wolves were removed from protection under the species law.

A court ruling in August, however, reinstated Endangered Species Act protections for wolves in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, forcing Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to cancel its wolf hunt this year.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification and prosecution of those involved with the recent wolf killings.

The federal investigating agent can be reached in Great Falls at 406-761-2286.