Livestock Deaths Lead to Wolf Control Actions

In response to livestock depredation incidents, one wolf has been killed, and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game has authorized the capture and removal of several more. Under federal rules changed in 2005 and an agreement between Idaho and the federal government signed in January, Idaho took over day to day management of wolves protected under the Endangered Species Act. That includes authorizing the lethal control of wolves to protect domestic livestock. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services carries out the control action at the request of Idaho Fish and Game. On July 31, Wildlife Services agents investigated two wolf depredation incidents on cattle in the Cascade area. One of the calves' deaths proved not to be predator related. The agents confirmed, wolves attacked and fatally wounded another yearling calf on private land. After consulting with Idaho Fish and Game, Wildlife Services set traps to remove one wolf. But if the Gold Fork radio-collared alpha female is captured she will be re-collared and released. Fish and Game issued the rancher a shoot-on-sight permit. On August 2, Wildlife Services confirmed that members of the Steel Mountain Pack had killed three lambs on private land along the South Fork of the Boise River. Three additional sheep were probably killed by wolves on a Boise National Forest grazing allotment near Big Trinity Lake. Traps have been set at both locations with the intention of killing up to four wolves. One has been taken so far. The Steel Mountain depredation was at least the fourth confirmed depredation this year associated with this pack. Three others were in late June and mid July. On August 2, Wildlife Services investigated a complaint that wolves had injured a calf on a Boise National Forest grazing allotment on Danskin Ridge near Mountain Home. Wolves probably were responsible. Earlier that day, a Wildlife Services wildlife specialist saw two gray adult wolves and three gray pups in the area. This confirmed Idaho Fish and Game's suspicions that a new pack had formed in the area. Traps have been set to collar the first wolf captured. On August 2, Wildlife Services investigated a complaint that a pair of wolves had attacked one of the two guard dogs with a band of sheep on the Sawtooth National Forest near the Smiley Creek airport. But agents were unable find evidence of any wolf attack. On August 4, Wildlife Services confirmed that wolves in the Stanley basin killed one ewe and that one Akbash guard dog was injured. The attack occurred on the Challis National Forest. Traps are being set to collar the first wolf captured and to kill one wolf. Wildlife Services also is investigating an August 4 report of a wolf attack on a calf in Copper Basin. Wolf control actions are in no danger of jeopardizing wolf recovery in Idaho. Since their reintroduction in 1995 and 1996, the wolf population in Idaho has grown to more than 600, in at least 58 packs and 36 breeding pairs. An estimated 100 or more wolf pups were born in Idaho this year. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers the wolf recovered and is considering delisting.