MONTANA SETS DEADLIEST WOLF SEASON YET
On August 21, 2025, the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission approved a state record-high kill quota of 458 wolves for the 2025–2026 season—plus another 100 wolves to be killed through “control removals.” This could bring the total to 558 wolves killed in one year, risking the long-term survival of wolves in the state.
The Commission also increased limits for hunting and trapping to 15 wolves each, meaning one person can kill 30 wolves in a season. Wolves can be hunted and trapped statewide, with minimal safeguards bordering Yellowstone National Park.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ own data (page 44) warns that harvesting 450 wolves could drive the population below sustainable levels—defined as at least 450 wolves and 15 breeding pairs—within one year.
Please contact Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission and the Governor’s Office to voice your concern and urge reconsideration. Even after a quota is set, public outcry can influence future decisions.
Learn more about Commissioners
Contact Governor Greg Gianforte or call (406) 444-3111
IS TOUTURING WOLVES A CRIME?
A grand jury says yes.
Last year, a young wolf was deliberately run over by a snowmobile, gravely injured, and brought to the perpetrator’s home. With its mouth taped shut, the wolf was fitted with a muzzle and shock collar, transported to a local Wyoming bar, and paraded before patrons. Hours later, the wolf was tortured to death. The man responsible received only a $250 fine.
Following international outrage, Sublette County convened a grand jury to determine whether Cody Roberts should be indicted for felony animal cruelty. On August 20, 2025, the jury issued that indictment.
Roberts will now be summoned to court where a bond will be set, and the case will proceed to arraignment. At that time, he will have the opportunity to enter a plea. If convicted, he faces up to two years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000.
We want to thank everyone who spoke out about this incident, contacted Wyoming officials, or joined the boycott to send a clear message the cruelty to wolves, or any wild animal, will not be tolerated.
On August 5, 2025, a federal judge ruled that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service violated the Endangered Species Act by wrongly denying protections for Northern Rocky Mountain gray wolves. The ruling calls for a review of their status—a process that could restore critical safeguards—but hunting groups quickly filed an appeal, stalling federal review and delaying potential protections. Read the full story and why it matters for wolves of the West.
DO YOU HAVE GIS MAPPING SKILLS?
We are currently seeking a volunteer with GIS experience to create clear, informative maps that make state data understandable to everyone and inspire informed action.
Echoes from the Sawtooth Pack
Meet Jim and Jamie Dutcher, the dedicated filmmakers behind the Sawtooth Pack project. Learn about their work living on the edge of Idaho’s Sawtooth Wilderness from 1990 to 1996, capturing the never before seen lives, behavior, and family bonds of a wolf pack.
Echoes from the Sawtooth Pack
This month marks the two-year anniversary of the Living with Wolves Museum, and we couldn’t be more grateful for your support! Since opening our doors, we’ve welcomed more than 15,000 visitors, from local school groups and summer camps to families traveling from across the country.
This July alone, we set a new record with 1,205 visitors. Every visit is an opportunity to educate, inspire, and empower action for wolves – and together, we are making a difference. Here’s to many more years of engaging people and building a growing movement for wolves!
Have a special memory from your visit? We’d love to hear it! Share your experience with us or leave a review on Google, and help others discover the museum.
