DNA analysis confirms animal killed near Kremmling was a wolf

After an extensive analysis by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Forensics Laboratory in Ashland, Ore., the agency confirmed late Thursday afternoon that the animal killed near Kremmling on April 29 was a gray wolf.

The animal was shot by a legal coyote hunter, who immediately notified Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), which then notified the Fish and Wildlife Service. It is not clear whether the hunter, whose name has not been released, will be subject to prosecution.

The gray wolf is protected by both the federal government and the State of Colorado as an endangered species.

The Fish and Wildlife Service routinely investigates incidents affecting endangered species and will conduct this investigation with the assistance of CPW, according to a statement prepared by the agency

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.