CHEYENNE - A wolf shot to death in northwest Wyoming is the first known illegal killing in the state since the animals lost federal protection, and state showed it is serious about taking over wolf management by offering a $3,000 reward.

"Compliance with state laws related to wolves is an important component of successful wolf management in Wyoming," Wyoming Chief Game Warden Jay Lawson said.

Wyoming, Idaho and Montana took over management of wolves within their respective borders when the animals were removed from federal protection under the Endangered Species Act on March 28.

Environmental groups have been critical of the decision to remove wolves from federal protection and have sued to put them back on the endangered species list. An estimated 1,500 wolves roam the three states. There were illegal wolf killings before the delisting.

Before delisting, illegal wolf kills in Wyoming were investigated and prosecuted by federal officials. This is the first probe being handled by state officials.

Sixteen wolves have been killed legally in Wyoming since then because they were shot outside protected zones in northwest Wyoming.

On April 21, a U.S. Forest Service employee reported finding a dead wolf just off a highway east of Grand Teton National Park, Game and Fish spokesman Eric Keszler said Thursday. A necropsy determined the wolf had been shot.

The death occurred in a protected zone where wolves can only be shot with state-issued hunting licenses. Wyoming has not yet established a licensed hunting season for wolves, Keszler said.

The type of weapon used was not known, he said.

Those responsible for the shooting could face a fine of up to $10,000 and up to a year in jail if convicted.

Franz Camenzind, a biologist and executive director of the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, said the Game and Fish Department's response is a good sign that the agency considers the case to be a serious crime.

"It should send a message to would-be wolf killers that it doesn't matter whether it's the feds or the state, you're going to be … investigated, hopefully prosecuted," Camenzind said.