Jury Convicts Montana Man For Killing Wolf

A federal court jury convicted Chad McKittrick Wednesday of killing one of the wolves transplanted to Yellowstone National Park.

The eight men and four women deliberated only an hour and 20 minutes after hearing almost three days of testimony and arguments. They found McKittrick guilty on all three misdemeanor counts - killing the wolf, possessing it and transporting it.

McKittrick, 42, of Red Lodge, could face a maximum penalty of two years in jail and fines totaling $150,000. He remains free on his own recognizance until he is sentenced in about 90 days.

McKittrick did not deny shooting the wolf, but said he thought it was a wild dog when he shot. However, two witnesses testified that he told them he knew it was a wolf.

Defense attorney Gilbert Burdett filed notice that he will appeal.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ed Laws said he believed the verdict shows Montana juries can put aside personal feelings and make difficult decisions. He apparently was alluding to the fact that several jurors were farmers or ranchers, and the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone was heatedly opposed by the farm and ranch industry.

McKittrick shot the wolf on April 24 just outside Red Lodge, a mountain town at the northeast corner of Yellowstone. The male wolf and its pregnant mate had roamed outside the park, but were still protected by federal law.