Wolf 10

The 'Wolf 10' episode of the 'Criminal' podcast narrates a poignant chapter in the history of wildlife conservation, focusing on the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park. The episode unfolds with Mike Phillips, leader of the Yellowstone Wolf Project, searching for two wolves, numbered 9 and 10, which had strayed from the park. Wolf 10, an alpha male, and his mate, Wolf 9, were being tracked via research collars as they moved north, away from the safety of the park and towards potential danger in rancher territory. The biologists were particularly concerned because Wolf 9 was pregnant, and her pups would be the first born in Yellowstone in over 60 years. The success of the reintroduction project hinged on the wolves' survival and reproduction within the park's boundaries.

The narrative takes a grim turn when a signal from Wolf 10's collar switches to mortality mode, indicating his death. Federal agents were mobilized to find the perpetrator responsible for the killing. The episode also delves into the history of the Wolf Reintroduction Project, which aimed to correct past policies that led to the near-extermination of wolves in the United States. The reintroduction faced significant opposition from ranchers concerned about their livestock. Despite the controversy, wolves were brought from Canada to Yellowstone in 1995, and the project began with high hopes and tight security to protect the animals.

The investigation into Wolf 10's death leads to a local man, Chad Mckittrick, who is eventually arrested and charged with the killing. The trial underscores the tension between wildlife conservation and local hunting culture. Chad's conviction, based on the ethics of hunting - knowing one's target - was seen as a victory for wildlife protection. However, the episode also touches on the 'Mckittrick Policy,' which complicated subsequent prosecutions for similar crimes, though it was later overturned.

Meanwhile, Wolf 9, now a widow, is found with her pups. Biologists, breaking protocol to ensure their survival, feed her roadkill and eventually transport her and her pups back to the safety of Yellowstone. The episode concludes with the broader success of the reintroduction project and its positive impact on the Yellowstone ecosystem.