Are there wolves in the Silver State? Maybe. A report of three wolves sighted near Merritt Mountain north of Elko, Nevada, is currently under investigation by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). A pilot with a helicopter capture crew spotted the wolves on Sunday, March 17, during a routine moose collaring project, according to a news release.

NDOW quickly contacted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to coordinate a plan to search the area for other signs. During the search, biologists found tracks with the “freshest tracks to be a set that led in the direction of the Idaho border.” Measurements of the track dimensions showed they were consistent with wolf prints. Trail cameras were set up, scat was collected and other areas were searched for hair samples, which are currently undergoing DNA testing with results anticipated over the next few days.

“We are doing all we can to gather information regarding this sighting and will keep the public updated as we learn more information,” said NDOW Director Alan Jenne. “Nevada is not a historic habitat for wolves, and we’ve had very few confirmed sightings in the state. Wolves are not known to reside in the state of Nevada, but we know that they may occasionally cross state lines for brief periods.”

Stay tuned to GOHUNT for further updates.