Thursday, February 24, 2011

Killing Wolf Subject To Prosecution, Even When.....

By Staff reports
The Evening News
Posted Feb 23, 2011 @ 05:35 PM

Tips sought in EUP wolf killing - Sault Ste. Marie, MI - Sault Ste. Marie Evening News
"Newberry, Mich. —

Michigan State Police from the Newberry Post confirmed the dead wolf was found south of town off County Road 405. State troopers were not part of the official investigation at this point in time as it remains in the hands of conservation officers and fish and wildlife agents, but were aware of some of the details regarding the slain animal.

State and federal officials, in a press release, indicate the wolf died from an apparent gunshot wound.

Wolves are a federally protected species in Michigan and cannot be legally killed except in the defense of human life. Anyone who shoots a wolf while protecting livestock or a family pet is subject to prosecution.

Nice, if your $2000 cow or $1000 puppy is being torn apart by a wolf, you just stand there and accept it. But if it comes after you, then shoot it. So do you have to have the wolf take a bite of your arm or leg and only then can you shoot it? 

The maximum penalty for poaching a wolf is 90 days in jail with a fine of up to $1,000, according to the press release. A conviction for this offense also carries a potential $1,500 reimbursement fee to the State of Michigan for killing an endangered species and could result in the suspension of hunting privileges for a period of three years.

So if a wolf turns on you, is that poaching if you shoot it? 

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