Biologist: killing collared wolves harms research

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A Yellowstone National Park wolf biologist says the killing during hunting season of two collared wolves will effect a study examining wolf pack dynamics in and around the park.

The park's wolf biologist, Doug Smith, says the killing of the Cottonwood Pack's 7-year-old alpha female and her collared 2-year-old daughter means the pack's movements are no longer being tracked for the study by the park.

The pack's alpha male and a 5-month-old pup were also shot.

The alpha female had been collared for five years and provided information about lifetime reproductive successes of breeding females. She was also popular among Yellowstone's wolf watchers.

Smith says the pack is of interest because it occupies an area that has seen four different packs in 12 years, and researchers are trying to figure out why.