Mystery Shrouds Yellowstone Wolf's Sudden Disappearance, Poachers Suspected
A well-known female gray wolf from the Junction Butte pack at Yellowstone National Park is believed to have been killed by poachers after her tracking collar sent a "mortality signal" on Christmas Day. The park service has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
The 31-year-old female, known as Wolf 1478F, was part of one of the most photographed and viewed wolf families in Yellowstone due to its proximity to the park's busy roads. Her sudden disappearance on December 25th led investigators to believe she may have been the target of a poaching incident.
A search team found only her severed collar, discarded into a tree, and no sign of the wolf's body. The investigation suggests that Wolf 1478F was likely killed and taken away by poachers in the Montana Wolf Management Unit 313 area.
This unit had been closed for hunting since November 16th due to a legal quota already being met. However, it appears that a poacher managed to evade authorities. In response to this incident, two wolf advocacy groups have contributed an additional $30,000 to a reward of $31,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.
The Junction Butte pack consists of 15 members, including 13 black wolves and two gray wolves, which spend most of their time within Yellowstone's safety. Despite this low fear factor towards humans, there was no evidence of foul play within the national park.
It has been revealed that Wolf 1478F belonged to one of the most viewed wolf families in Yellowstone due to its proximity to the park's busy roads.
A well-known female gray wolf from the Junction Butte pack at Yellowstone National Park is believed to have been killed by poachers after her tracking collar sent a "mortality signal" on Christmas Day. The park service has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
The 31-year-old female, known as Wolf 1478F, was part of one of the most photographed and viewed wolf families in Yellowstone due to its proximity to the park's busy roads. Her sudden disappearance on December 25th led investigators to believe she may have been the target of a poaching incident.
A search team found only her severed collar, discarded into a tree, and no sign of the wolf's body. The investigation suggests that Wolf 1478F was likely killed and taken away by poachers in the Montana Wolf Management Unit 313 area.
This unit had been closed for hunting since November 16th due to a legal quota already being met. However, it appears that a poacher managed to evade authorities. In response to this incident, two wolf advocacy groups have contributed an additional $30,000 to a reward of $31,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible.
The Junction Butte pack consists of 15 members, including 13 black wolves and two gray wolves, which spend most of their time within Yellowstone's safety. Despite this low fear factor towards humans, there was no evidence of foul play within the national park.
It has been revealed that Wolf 1478F belonged to one of the most viewed wolf families in Yellowstone due to its proximity to the park's busy roads.
! I mean, who would do something like that to a beautiful wolf? It's just devastating to think about her family finding out she was gone and just her collar being left behind 
. And now they're offering a reward of $31k for anyone with info... hopefully someone comes forward soon 
.
. It's just not right.
. Another wolf killed by poachers in Yellowstone. Like, can't they see how iconic and important these animals are? And for what? A few bucks on the black market? It's just heartbreaking thinking about Wolf 1478F being all alone in the Montana forest, no chance to roam free or hunt with her pack anymore 
. The fact that someone managed to evade authorities is just mind-boggling. I mean, what kinda person does this kind of thing? Anyway, glad the park service is taking action and the wolf advocacy groups are stepping up to help find justice for Wolf 1478F 
i feel bad for her fam too, they must be super stressed rn 
did u know that wolves can run up to 40 mph? 
thats so fast! and btw what's with all these wolf fams in yellowstone lol are they like, the most popular animals there now? 
They’re just killing innocent wolves like they own the place. I don’t get why people can be so cruel. And it’s not like Wolf 1478F was a threat to anyone or anything. She was just trying to live her life in Yellowstone like any other wolf.
It’s crazy that poaching is still happening at Yellowstone. The park service should be doing a lot more to protect these amazing animals. I don’t think it’s too much to ask for a little respect from humans towards wildlife.
... another human thinks they can just come into our home and take out one of our own. I'm sure it had nothing to do with the fact that Wolf 1478F was a bit of a celebrity 
. And good luck tracking them down, park rangers! I'm sure those woods are just crawling with clues 
. On the bright side, there's a $30k reward now, so maybe this will motivate someone to come forward and make things right 
.
Poachers are like, "I can just take a selfie with a wolf and then... RIP 
" #wolfconservation #poachingprobs 
.
And now Wolf 1478F is gone, and we'll never know what happened to her. It's all so sad 
. Anyone else feel like this is just a distraction from the real issues with wolf conservation? 
.
, makes my blood boil! 
How could they be so heartless?! 
I'm glad the park service is investigating this and offering a reward to catch the person responsible 
. Let's hope they get caught soon and face the consequences 
.
.