Is It a Wolf? DNA Testing to Unravel North Dakota Mystery

A possible wolf was shot near Halliday, North Dakota, but it’s still up in the air until DNA testing confirms its identity. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating since gray wolves are a protected species under the Endangered Species Act. Biologist Stephanie Tucker estimated the animal to be a 2-year-old female, weighing between 60-80 pounds, though she noted it might be a case of mistaken identity—the shooter thought it was a coyote. Wolves are rare in North Dakota, but sightings pop up now and then, especially near the Minnesota border, so keep those trail cameras rolling!