Wolf Report: Annual Report Available

The 2007 annual summary of wolf recovery in Idaho is now available. During 2007, biologists documented 83 resident wolf packs in Idaho. The minimum population was estimated at 732 wolves. In addition, 13 documented border packs counted for Montana and Wyoming had established territories straddling the Idaho state boundary and probably spent some time in Idaho. Of the 59 packs known to have reproduced, 43 packs qualified as breeding pairs by the end of the year. These 59 reproductive packs produced at least 200 pups. In Idaho, wolf packs ranged from the Canadian border south to Interstate Highway 84, and from the Oregon border east to the Montana and Wyoming borders. Dispersing wolves were occasionally reported in previously unoccupied areas. Seventeen previously unknown packs were documented for the first time during 2007. Three hundred eighty-two wolf observations were reported on Idaho Fish and Game's online Website report form during 2007. Seventy-eight wolves were confirmed to have died in Idaho in 2007. Of known mortalities, agency control and legal landowner take in response to wolf-livestock depredation accounted for 50 deaths, other human causes, including illegal take, 18 deaths, 8 unknown causes, and two wolves died of natural causes. During the 2007 calendar year, 73 cattle, 185 sheep, and 14 dogs were classified by USDA Wildlife Services as confirmed or probable kills by wolves. The report is available online: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/wolves/. The report is listed in the right hand column. The Northern Rocky Mountain progress report for 2007 for Idaho, Montana and Wyoming is available at: http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/species/mammals/wolf/. On February 27, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's final rule removing wolves in those three states and parts of Washington, Oregon and Utah was 1 in the federal register. The rule would take effect March 28, unless blocked by legal challenges. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission Thursday, March 6, adopted the Idaho Wolf Population Management Plan that would govern wolf management once the delisting takes effect. Commissioners are expected to set seasons and rules for wolf hunts in May. The plan is available in the right hand column at: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/wolves/.