USFWS investigates death of 2 Red Wolves

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating the deaths of two red wolves found in different parts of a North Carolina county.

The service is offering a reward of up to $2,500 to anyone who provides information leading to an arrest or other penalties.

The wildlife service didn't say how the wolves died. The special agent investigating the case didn't immediately return a call seeking comment.

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From the hush, I'm guessin' it wasn't natural causes.

edit:  News Release from USFWS May 6, 2010

"Reward Offered for Investigation Assistance Relating to Red Wolves Deaths"

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Wow, Chris, I certainly didn't expect this news.  I was just thinking when  you posted the red Wolf pups video how lucky they were to be going to NC where so far there has been very little persecution of them.  I'm so sorry to read this news.  Please keep us posted.

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update on the reward states the wolves were illegally killed.

"The Humane Society of the United States and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust are offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for illegally killing two endangered red wolves in North Carolina.

The Case:

..."The illegal killing of these two endangered wolves is truly disgraceful and an affront to the recovery of the species," said Kimberly Alboum, North Carolina state director for The HSUS. "We are extremely grateful to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for their tireless work to solve this heinous crime." 

>>>  Anyone with information about this case is asked to call U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent Sandra Allred at ( 919 ) 856-4786, Refuge Officer Chris Smith at ( 252 ) 926-4021, or North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Officer Robert Wayne at ( 252 ) 216-8225.

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UPDATE:

REWARD INCREASED IN RED WOLF POACHINGS IN NORTH CAROLINA

The HSUS and Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust reward was issued on May 19. The total reward now stands at up to $7,500, including $2,500 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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UPDATE JUNE 7, 2010:

"New Info:  Larger Reward Offered for Info About Red Wolf Deaths"

Because of additional contributions, the reward amount for information on the suspected killings has increased to a reward of up to $10,500.00 

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Thanks for updating this Chris.  I hope they catch the responsible party.

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