Park officials to kill wolf

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. Yellowstone National Park wildlife officials say a wolf that has chased people on bicycles and motorcycles on several occasions will have to be killed.

Wildlife managers have been trying to find the Old Faithful-area wolf since May 7, after receiving a report that it chased or followed one woman on her bicycle.

Ed Bangs, wolf recovery coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said that when the woman flagged down a truck and asked for a ride, an empty oil can rolled out of the open tailgate and the wolf picked up the can and ran away.

Officials said the wolf has probably been fed by people.

“When they cross a line of human safety, we get rid of the wolf,” said Doug Smith, Yellowstone wolf project leader. “In the Old Faithful situation, that wolf has clearly crossed the line. I think it is a curious young animal that means no harm, but we can’t take the risk that it will hurt people.”