(Anchorage) – Alaska Wildlife Troopers have determined that 10 wolves pictured in a pair of photographs currently being distributed to news media and on social media were harvested legally. The investigation has determined the animals were taken in Game Management Unit 13B and not in the Healy area as alleged. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has confirmed the wolf hides were properly received and sealed at a regional office.
“The wolves in the pictures were sealed as required by Alaska law,” said Bernard Chastain, Alaska Wildlife Troopers deputy director. “No illegal activity has been determined to have taken place at this time.”
An emergency order issued by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game last week closed wolf hunting and trapping in part of Game Management Unit 20C in the vicinity of the Stampede Trail. Wolf hunting closed at 11:59 p.m. Monday, April 2; trapping for wolves will close at 11:59 p.m. Monday, April 9.
The wolves pictured in the media campaign were harvested some 70 miles east of the park, not in the Stampede Trail area.[xyz-ihs snippet=”adsense-body-ad”]Hunting and trapping regulations, along with emergency orders and game unit boundaries, can be found on the Department of Fish and Game’s website at https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=wildliferegulations.main.
Reports regarding potential hunting and trapping violations can be made to the Alaska Fish & Wildlife Safeguard by calling 1-800-478-3377. Information about Alaska Fish and Wildlife Safeguard can be found online at https://dps.alaska.gov/awt/safeguard.