SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Feb. 24, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — An animal accidentally killed in a coyote snare last year was a gray wolf according to the results of DNA tests released Wednesday by Utah authorities.
The animal was originally found near the Wyoming border in an area west of Randolph, Utah.
When wildlife biologists examined it back in November they thought it might be a wolf, but requested DNA tests to make sure it wasn’t a dog hybrid.
Wolves are not on the endangered species list in the area where this animal was found, but they do often wander into the state from nearby Wyoming and Idaho.
Under Utah law, trappers are prohibited from killing wolves unless they are threatening a person or killing livestock.
But in in this case, the wolf’s death is considered accidental and the trapper will not be charged.
