The investigation continues into the shooting of a wolf that was popular with Yellowstone National Park tourists.
Yellowstone spokeswoman Morgan Warthin says hikers discovered the mortally wounded wolf on April 11:
“Law enforcement believes the wolf was shot on the north side of the park near Gardiner or near the old Yellowstone Trail located in the park on the northern boundary.”
“Due to the serious nature of this incident, a reward of up to $5,000 is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the [responsible] individuals.”
A wolf advocacy group has doubled that reward.
The group's president, Marc Cooke, suspects opponents of wolves in Yellowstone were responsible.
Many hunting outfitters and ranchers have been unhappy about wolves since their reintroduction to the park more than 20 years ago. The wolves prey on big-game animals and sometimes cattle.
Park officials haven't publicly speculated on a motive.
The alpha female of the Canyon Pack was one of three white wolves in Yellowstone and very popular among photographers.
Park officials released preliminary necropsy findings for the animal on Thursday.
