ENDANGERED SPECIES -- Washington Fish and Wildlife police are investigating a wolf found dead in Stevens County on Feb. 9.

They report the circumstances "appear suspicious."  Wolves are a protected species in Washington and the penalties for killing them outside of self defense or defense of pets and livestock can be stiff.

The female wolf was wearing a GPS collar and was being monitored by Fish and Wildlife Department biologists. It was a member of the Smackout Pack that ranges in the far northeastern corner of the state, but she had been traveling alone, said Kevin Robinette, department regional wildlife manager.