Animal shot dead in Western North Dakota believed to be endangered Gray Wolf

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating the shooting of what might have been a gray wolf northeast of Halliday.

The animal found dead by gunshot in western North Dakota is believed to be a female and about two years old. Gray wolves are a federally protected species under the Endangered Species Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has collected a DNA sample and will send it off for testing.

Furbearer biologist Stephanie Tucker believes the person who shot it thought it was a coyote, but charges could be filed if the canine is confirmed to be a wolf.