As the wolf population in Idaho grows, the likelihood of encounters with humans and particularly pet dogs also may increase, especially in rural areas.
While it's impossible to completely eliminate wolf-dog conflicts in wolf habitat, there are several precautions dog owners can take. Many precautions are similar to those for people who live in bear and mountain lion country.
Wolves are by nature extremely territorial, and have developed ritualistic behaviors such as scent-marking and howling to mark their boundaries and indicate their strength to neighboring packs.
Wolves guard their territory and recent kills from other canids, including coyotes and domestic dogs. This territorial behavior stems from the need of wolves to maintain a sufficient food supply and decrease competition from other meat eaters.
Because humans and their pets don't typically understand or recognize this complex system of wolves' sound, sign, and smell, they may place their pets in harm's way without realizing it.
People who live near wolves should:
- Keep their dogs in a kennel or bring them in at night - wolves are most active during the evening and early morning, and most conflicts with domestic dogs occur at this time.
- Don't leave pet food outside, because it may attract wolves, bears or other unwanted visitors.
- Don't store garbage outside. Improper storage of garbage is one of the fastest ways to attract unwanted wildlife.
- Treat all compost like other garbage - store it securely and dispose of it regularly.
- Feed pets indoors to prevent outdoor food odors from attracting wildlife.
- Some animals, especially bears, can become very aggressive around homes and people if they learn to associate humans with food.
- Don't let dogs run loose. Law enforcement officials are authorized to destroy pets that are observed harassing wildlife. Pets also may be injured or killed by wildlife.
- A fenced yard, kennel or run is a good way to keep pets under control, yet allow them room to exercise. Keeping your pet indoors when you are not able to supervise it will help prevent wildlife conflicts from occurring.
When walking dogs:
- Keep the dog on a leash when walking in wolf habitat if possible - dogs running loose, away from people may attract wolves.
- People who let their dog run loose should bring a leash to restrain the dog if wolves or wolf sign are encountered.
- Learn to recognize wolf sign; wolves are particularly territorial around dens, rendezvous sites and kills, so knowing how to recognize the signs associated with these areas will help avoid them.
- Make noise or put a bell on the dog collar to alert wolves that humans are associated with the dog; wolves are more likely to avoid contact with a dog when they are aware of humans nearby.
A change in federal law that took effect February 27, allows pet owners to kill a wolf attacking their dogs, goats, llamas, mules or horses on private or public land, except land north of Interstate 90 in Idaho, or land administered by the National Park Service, and provided there is no evidence of intentional baiting, feeding or deliberate attractants of wolves.
Dog owners should report any dog injured or killed by wolves as soon as possible to local Fish and Game officer, to the regional Fish and Game office, or to USDA Wildlife Services. Anyone who kills a wolf attacking their dog must mark the location, protect the evidence of the attack, and report it within 24 hours.
