Wolf Killed Last Spring Helps Keep Recovery Program Alive

His stay in Yellowstone National Park was short, but the gray wolf shot and killed near Red Lodge last spring has left a lasting legacy for his offspring.

Photos and prints of the big male wolf, known as No. 10, have raised thousands of dollars for the wolf reintroduction program.

Bozeman wildlife artist Dan Smith, who has raised $16,000 for wolf recovery by selling limited edition prints of the dead wolf and his mate, calls No. 10 “an incredible martyr.”

The wolf was shot by Chad McKittrick last spring near Red Lodge, only months after the animal was released in the park. McKittrick was later convicted in federal court of killing an endangered animal.

Before his death, No. 10 sired a litter of pups.

Now, Smith says he may do another print of No. 10’s mate and the eight pups. Proceeds from an edition of that print would go to wolf recovery as well.

Others are also trying to raise money for the recovery program using No. 10 as a symbol.

Call of the Wild Foundation Director Barry O’Neill said his group will be selling note cards bearing photographs of No. 10 and an explanation of how the animal died.