By MATTHEW BROWN, Associated Press
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Montana wildlife commissioners on Monday closed down the gray wolf season in some areas outside Yellowstone National Park after several collared animals used for scientific research were shot in recent weeks.
The closures prohibit hunting and trapping for the predators and include areas north of the park around the town of Gardiner.
But Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission chairman Bob Ream indicated the closures are not meant to be permanent. He saod commissioners were acting to address the “particular and unique situation” of collared wolves being shot.
“It seems to be kind of a compromise,” Ream said. “Is it political? Yeah, wolves are political.”