Worker charged with shooting wolf

KETCHUM, Idaho – A central Idaho ranch employee who shot and killed a wolf has been charged with violating the U.S. Endangered Species Act, which carries a maximum penalty of a $25,000 fine and six months in jail.

However, due to what officials called special circumstances, a fine of $275 is being recommended for Darlington resident George Gilbert.

Gilbert, who works at a Stanley-area ranch that officials declined to name, reported to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game that he shot the wolf on June 7.

Scott Bragonier, a special agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said an investigation was then launched. The wolf, B313, carried a radio collar and was a member of the Basin Butte wolf pack.

Bragonier declined to discuss the special circumstances of the wolf being shot as the case is ongoing.

“It seemed the appropriate action we take,” Bragonier told the Idaho Mountain Express. “That’s the route I choose to take given the circumstances.”

He said the shooting of the wolf did not fall under a special management agreement that allows wolves to be shot if they are harassing livestock.

“This shooting did not fall within that exception,” he said.

Lynne Stone of the Boulder-White Clouds Council said the remaining pack members spent the night howling after B313 was killed.

“This particular wolf, B313, was extraordinarily beautiful,” said Stone. “Wolves are pack animals. They’re family animals. When one goes missing it’s tough.”

Wolves were reintroduced to Idaho a decade ago after being hunted to near-extinction. They now number more than 1,200 in the region, including 673 wolves in 72 packs in Idaho alone.

The wolves are expected to be removed from federal protection next year.

Idaho’s management plan calls for keeping at least 15 packs, or at least 100 wolves, in the state once that happens.