Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Suzanne Lewis announced today that two men from northwestern Wyoming were cited into federal court on October 03, 2003, for illegally shooting and killing three bull elk in a remote area inside Yellowstone's eastern boundary. The investigation began on October 01, 2003 as a result of observations made by law enforcement rangers on routine anti-poaching patrol. The rangers' initial observations lead to a three-day investigation involving National Park Service Rangers and Special Agents, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agents, U.S. Forest Service officers and a National Park Service contract helicopter.

Multiple items, including rifles, handguns, motor vehicles, trailers, stock and optical equipment were seized from the suspects after they abandoned the carcasses and attempted to leave the area.

The investigation is continuing with assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Wyoming Department of Game and Fish. Multiple additional charges are anticipated and additional information will be available following an October 22, 2003, initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate-Judge Stephen E. Cole at Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming.

Superintendent Lewis wishes to remind all Yellowstone area visitors that those involved in illegal activities in Yellowstone's backcountry areas will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.