2 wolves poached in southwestern Montana

HELENA (AP) – Montana wildlife officials say poachers shot and killed two wolves, one just outside Yellowstone National Park and the other near the Centennial Valley.

Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials said in a statement Friday that a hiker found a dead yearling female wolf off the Old Yellowstone Trail near Gardiner on May 10.

Last Saturday, a dead adult male wolf was found at the Ruby River Long Creek Divide. Wildlife officials estimated the wolf was shot a day or two before.

Hunting season for wolves ended on March 15. The penalty for killing a wolf out of season is a citation and $1,000 in restitution.

FWP officials are asking anyone with information to call 800-TIP-MONT.

An advocacy group called Wolves of the Rockies is offering a $2,000 reward for information.