Oakridge man pleads guilty to killing endangered gray wolf

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) — A 22-year-old Oakridge man has pleaded guilty in the killing of an endangered gray wolf.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Oregon says Colton Dick pleaded guilty Monday to unlawfully taking an endangered species.

Court documents say Dick used a rifle and scope to shoot the wolf Oct. 5, 2016, as the animal walked away in the Fremont-Winema National Forest.

An investigation began the next day when an adult female GPS-collared gray wolf known as OR 28 was found dead near Summer Lake.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service says OR 28 died as a result of gunshot injuries.

Under a plea agreement, Dick has agreed to one-year of supervised release and restitution of $2,500 to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, among other conditions.

If Dick complies, he will be allowed to withdraw his guilty plea and his charge could be dismissed.