WEYAUWEGA, WI (WTAQ) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources wants to know who shot a timber wolf in Waupaca County.
The DNR also believes it was hit by a car.
“Based on looking and inspecting the wolf, it was more likely than not probably shot in the area and then hit by a car after the fact on Highway 10,” said Kaitlin Kernosky, a DNR Conservation Warden.
The wolf was discovered on the side of the eastbound lanes of Highway 10 near Weyauwega on Thursday.
The Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office posted on its Facebook page, asking for information about the wolf being shot.
Many of the commenters commended the person who shot the wolf, saying wolves are decreasing the area’s deer population.
Kernosky says it is no secret that wolves are in the area.
“I hear it from hunters and people in the area,” said Kernosky. “Occasionally, I’ll get reports of wolves in the area, so they’re in the area no doubt.”
According to the DNR, in the last five years, Waupaca County has had two confirmed wolf attacks, both were in 2016, and one dairy calf was killed in each case. There have been two unconfirmed reports, one which included five dead cows.
According to the DNR, unintentionally killing an endangered species is punishable by a fine of up to $2,000. If it’s intentional, the fine could go up to $5,000, and/or the violator could be jailed for nine months.
