Montana governor warned after trapping and killing wolf near Yellowstone

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) received a warning from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks after he trapped and killed a wolf near Yellowstone National Park.

“Typically, we approach this sort of incident as an educational opportunity, particularly when the person in question is forthright in what happened and honest about the circumstances,” Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks spokesperson Greg Lemon told Boise State Public Radio in an email. “That was the case here with Gov. Gianforte.”

The governor killed a black wolf in February outside of Yellowstone National Park, which would have been legal if Gianforte went through the state-required wolf trapping certification course.

“After learning he had not completed the wolf-trapping certification, Governor Gianforte immediately rectified the mistake and enrolled in the wolf-trapping certification course. The governor had all other proper licenses,” Gianforte’s spokesperson told The Hill.

Gianforte enrolled in an online course on March 24 for three hours for his certification and will be allowed to keep the wolf skull and hide from February, Boise State Public Radio reported.

There has been debate about reducing wolf populations in multiple states that has led to intense debate, including in Montana.

Wisconsin had to end its wolf hunting season early after the state went over the number of kills that were allowed.

The Hill has reached out to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks for comment.