One year, eleven months, and three days with no resolution in the death of Wolf 813 investigation.

I’m concerned that justice for the Matriarch of the Echo Valley wolf family (wolf 813) is not being carried out. After all, it took place on December 25th, 2023, almost two years ago. Why the delay? This is a big question with no answers as of yet. Either way, she was more than a wolf to many for the Red Cliff Ojibwa Tribe located in northern Wisconsin.

She was more than a wolf to Ron Nordine, Jr, a Wildlife Technician for the Red Cliff Tribe, got the news from the DNR after the holiday break that Wolf 813, a collared wolf he had been monitoring for over ten years, was killed. Ron’s wife, Misty, discusses how he felt about wolf 813 in this short clip.

Many have followed the investigation through the Short Film: Wolf 813, A Wolves of Douglas County Wisconsin, presents A Short film by Rachel Tilseth and edited by Justin Koehler.

Wolf 813. At approximately 02:00 AM on December 25, 2023, a retired DNR Conservation Warden and pro-wolf hunt advocate shot a wolf at his door. Ron Nordin, Jr., a Wildlife Technician for the Red Cliff Tribe, got the news from the DNR after the holiday break that Wolf 813, a collared wolf he had been monitoring for over ten years, was killed. Ron and his wife, Misty, tell the story of the wolf they knew as Wolf 813, Matriarch of the Echo Valley Pack, and how her life and death impacted them as members of the Red Cliff Ojibwe Tribe. Wolf 813: More than just a wolf, a Short Film, Cast: Ron and Misty Nordin, Jr., Genevieve Adamski. Director and Producer Rachel Tilseth, Editor Justin Koehler, Camera Rachel Tilseth. Webcam footage of Wolf 813 was provided by the Red Cliff (Ojibwe) Treaty Natural Resources Department.

Watch the full film: More than a Wolf. A Short Film: Wolf 813

A film review by Short Films Matter:

More than a Wolf: Wolf 813
Unveiling the harsh truth of wildlife hunting, this documentary ignites empathy and sparks a call to action for conservation.

Rachel Tilseth‘s short documentary delves into the heartbreaking tragedy of a wild wolf’s death in Wisconsin, shedding light on a devastating event that strikes against the belief systems of many. With contributions from Ron Nordin Jr, Misty Nordin, and Genevieve Adamski of the Red Cliff Ojibwe Tribe, the film paints a poignant picture of loss and cultural conflict.

Despite its low budget, the film’s subject matter shines through, capturing the raw emotions of those affected by the wolf’s untimely demise. While the sound quality may not be top-tier, the clarity of the narrative remains intact, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the story.

The editing, though not extravagant, is executed with a respectable standard, ensuring that the focus remains on the gravity of the situation at hand. Through interviews and storytelling, the contributors effectively convey their knowledge and emotional depth, inviting viewers to empathize with their plight.

This tale is not only touching and upsetting but also serves as a powerful call to action, raising awareness about the cruelty of wildlife hunting. The documentary succeeds in highlighting the inherent value of these majestic creatures and the urgent need for conservation efforts.

In the end, the loss of this beautiful animal serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between humans and nature, leaving a lasting impact on those who bear witness to its story. Tilseth’s film honors the memory of the fallen Wolf 813. Source Link: https://shortfilmsmatter.com/9066/more-than-a-wolf-wolf-813/

Quotes:

“To the Anishinaabe people, Ma’iinganag are teachers and relatives. GLIFWC laments the loss of this important family matriarch.” from the Press Release by the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission on January 29, 2024

“In the making of this short film, what I learned the most from Ron and Misty was that they respected her as a Matriarch and her wildness. I believe the Ojibwe are important allies to the wolf and thier views and beliefs are largely ignored by the conservative fringe.” ~Rachel Tilseth

“She wasn’t just a wolf. She wasn’t just a predator. She was family. We can’t quite describe that relationship and what it really means to us as Annishanabe. We can’t put that into words for anybody else to understand, but it’s there. And it is strong…” ~Misty Nordin, Enrolled Member Red Cliff Ojibwe Tribe

“Since we collared her…she is providing us with all this data. She’s doing all the work…we are just documenting it…she’s feeding her family…within all of that she has become our co-worker.” ~Ron Nordin, Jr. Wildlife Technician, Red Cliff tribe

“I think the whole reason a lot of us get into this field is because we care…we do care deeply about these species, especially wolves…people are drawn to wolves. Everyone has really strong opinions on wolves whether they be positive or negative.” ~Genevieve Adamski, Wildlife Specialist, Red Cliff Tribe

Who is investigating her death?

Wolf 813 is under investigation by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The wolf, a protected grey wolf and matriarch of the Echo Valley Pack, was killed on December 25, 2023. As of early 2025, the investigation has been ongoing for over a year.
Investigating agency: The US Fish and Wildlife Service is leading the investigation.
Background: Wolf 813 was a collared, federally protected grey wolf and the matriarch of the Echo Valley Pack.
Incident: She was killed by a retired Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) Warden on December 25, 2023.
Current status: The investigation remains ongoing, with reports indicating it has taken over a year to resolve as of January 2025.

Take Action: Where is the investigation into the death of wolf 813?

For information about the killing of wolf 813, contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) wildlife crime hotline at 1-844-FWS-TIPS (397-8477), email FWS_TIPS@fws.gov, or visit the tips submission page at https://www.fws.gov/wildlife-crime-tips. For general inquiries to the Office of Law Enforcement, you can email lawenforcement@fws.gov.