A young female wolf in Yellowstone National Park is believed to have been illegally shot and killed just outside of the park on Christmas Day.
According to reports by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP), the wolf was killed on Christmas Day around 10:00 p.m. Wildlife officials had received a mortality signal from the wolf’s collar in the Jardine area. The collar was discovered near a tree where it had been cut, however the wolf’s remains are still missing, likely because the poacher didn’t want any evidence as to their identity. Many Yellowstone wolves wear collars for researchers to track their movements and to help understand their behavior
The wolf, referred to as a “rising star” mostly lived inside the park and was born into the Junction Butte pack – the world’s most famous wolf pack.
While officials have not officially confirmed the identity, trackers and advocacy groups are certain the wolf was 1478F, a young ‘rising star’ born in 2022 and daughter of the legendary matriarch 907F.
- The killing occurred in Wolf Management Unit 313 which closed on November 16, 2025 after the area’s wolf’s hunting quota had been met.
A monetary reward has increased for information on the wolf that was killed illegally.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks initially offered a $1,000 reward for information. The Large Carnivore Fund and Wolves of the Rockies together have offered an additional $30,000.
The groups want to see the identification, arrest and conviction of the person(s) who illegally shot the wolf. Hunting park wolves, that tend to be friendlier because they are used to seeing humans and automobiles, can become easy prey. The survival of park wolves can be determined by their reproducing and hunting habits.
Shouldn’t we all be privileged to see these magnificent animals living free and raising their own families?
Tips can be submitted anonymously through the Montana TIP-MONT website or by calling warden Kameron Rauser at 406-224-5207.
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