Report: Colorado wolf may have been killed by mountain lion
DENVER (KDVR) — After one of the 10 wolves reintroduced to Colorado was found dead in April, a two-month-long investigation revealed the cause of death.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said it “became aware” of the wolf’s death in Larimer County on April 18. The death was then investigated by federal authorities.
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Initial evidence suggested that the wolf likely died of natural causes, but a final determination would be made after a necropsy to determine the cause of death. On Tuesday, the service said the initial necropsy report found that the cause of death was trauma, consistent with predation.
“Although not definitive, the puncture wounds in the skull are consistent with those typically inflicted by a mountain lion,” the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service told FOX31.
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The wolf’s death was investigated by the authorities because it’s listed under the Endangered Species Act.
It’s not only illegal to kill a gray wolf outside of protocol, but it could also come with a hefty fine and possibly jail time. Unlawful penalties can vary and can include fines up to $100,000, jail time and loss of hunting privileges.
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