At least 3 of 4 escaped wolves in Anoka County now accounted for

(FOX 9) - A third wolf has now been captured after four wolves escaped a wildlife center in Anoka County, the wildlife center reports.

In a Facebook post, the Wildlife Science Center in Anoka County said the wolf, named Rufus, was spotted Wednesday morning along Viking Boulevard, which runs through Oak Grove and Nowthen. The center says a deputy and K-9 unit with the Anoka County Sheriff's Office arrived and was able to keep an eye on the wolf until teams from the center could arrive and tranquilize Rufus.

Neighbors concerned as search for escaped wolves continues in Anoka County

Neighbors are concerned after a small group of wolves escaped from a wildlife center in Anoka County, though staff says the wolves pose little threat as they were raised in captivity.

The capture of Rufus follows another wolf being shot by a resident on Tuesday near the Stacy trailer courts. After the escape, the center said a third wolf had been euthanized after being hit by a car.

The last remaining wolf may have also been struck by a car. Tuesday, the center said it had received a report that another wolf had been hit by a vehicle and someone took its body. However, it's unclear if the report has been verified at this time or if the body has been recovered.

FOX 9 reached out to Wildlife Science Center for clarification on if they are still searching for the remaining wolf but haven't yet heard back.

The wolves escaped Thursday after a pup was taken from its mother to be bottle-fed and the pack panicked. It is believed they are now searching for the pup. However, news of the escape wasn't immediately made public.

The Wildlife Science Center staff wrote that one of the reasons they didn’t immediately report the escape was due to fear of residents harming the wolves. The wolves were raised in captivity and do not know how to catch prey.

For more information, visit the Wildlife Science Center website or call (651) 464-3993.