Wolves still protected
Hunters are reminded that the gray wolf remains a protected species in Wisconsin.
Although gray wolves were removed from the federal list of endangered and threatened species in the western Great Lakes on March 12, wolves continue to be listed as protected wild animals in Wisconsin.
Illegal killing of wolves can result in fines of more than $2,000 and loss of hunting privileges for up to three years.
Only under specific circumstances can someone shoot a gray wolf, said DNR biologist Adrian Wydeven. The only time anyone can legally shoot a wolf is when it is in the act of attacking a domestic animal on their own land. A warden must be contacted within 24 hours, and the carcass turned over to the DNR.
Wydeven said the DNR has provided compensation for wolf depredation to livestock and dogs. Twenty-eight problem wolves have been trapped and removed so far in 2007. Agents of USDA-Wildlife Services handle the trapping and euthanizing of problem wolves