Wildlife Group Says Wolf Bounty Federal Violation

A wildlife group says the state Legislature is placing itself and ranchers in direct violation of federal law by passing a bill putting a bounty on wolves that leave Yellowstone National Park.

Defenders of Wildlife said in a statement from its Washington office that the $1,000 bounty passed by the Senate and the $500 bounty passed by the House conflict with the Endangered Species Act.

“It’s not a very smart proposition to risk a $100,000 federal fine for a $500 bounty. The law is meaningless and a waste of taxpayers’ money because it is superseded by federal law,” said Hank Fischer of Missoula, a group spokesman.