The Total Yellowstone Page
Yellowstone Wolf News Archive Page
This information is provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
General Wolf Information
Wildlife Service concluded attempts to trap and radio collar a wolf in the Red Lodge, MT area. A pack has been reported there for 2 years now and a couple of calves were killed by wolves earlier this spring/summer. Wolves were seen on a couple of occasions but none were captured. Most calves have been shipped. Baiting/snaring/radio-collaring maybe tried here and in the area just southeast of Livingston, MT where 2 wolves were videoed stalking a horse, if conditions permit later this winter.
Snow tracking in Wyoming indicates that the Absaroka pack has 8-10 members and 4 pups. The Beartooth Pack has 5-7 members including pups, and they appear mange-free. However, the former alpha male #164, still apparently has bad case of mange.
Fontaine recovered the carcass of a gray female pup from the highway right-of-way about 4 miles north of Avon on the 21st. The carcass was found by some local ranchers who were moving livestock on the 18th. She was probably from the Halfway pack. We thank the ranchers and local Forest Service biologist for reporting the road-kill. Another wolf was reportedly killed on Highway 200 near Bonner on the 23rd and the next day a live wolf was reportedly seen in the same area.
On a flight on the 21st, Fontaine located a missing former Wildhorse wolf [SE of Stanley in central ID] near Drummond, MT. Local ranchers said they’ve seen wolf sign in the area for at least the past year but haven’t had any problems. It could be part of a pack since we have had reports of multiple wolves near here this summer.
Control
A ewe was killed by a wolf in the Ninemile Valley at the same place that has had several previous sheep losses. No control is planned at this time. The elk/deer rifle hunting season in MT starts 27 Oct and this area has been opened for either-sex white-tailed deer. The abundant supply of deer remains usually provides enough of a supplemental food source to reduce depredations.
Three ewes were killed on private land near Dillon, MT on the 22nd. The only radioed-collared wolf in the area was located nearby, but at least 2 other wolves, including a gray one, have been reported. Lethal control and a shoot-on-site permit were re-authorized. On the 24th, the radioed female and her pup (both black) were shot by WS. Agency control is completed unless further depredations are reported but the landowner still has a shoot-on-site permit that will remain active until 06 December.
Research
Nothing new to report.
Education, Information and Law Enforcement
Doug Smith is in Germany and gave a wolf presentation at the invitation of a German Wolf Conservation Group.
On the 23rd, Niemeyer and Mack met with a rancher in the Gold Fork pack territory to discuss his concerns. He has had several suspected but unconfirmed depredations and fears he will be many calves short when his round-up is completed.
The WY Fish & Game Commission meets in Jackson, WY on 28 Oct. The WY state wolf plan will be one of the topics that is presented and discussed.
On the 24th, Jimenez met with feeders from WY state elk winter feed-grounds from around WY. He discussed the 3 year study of elk and wolf relationships on the Gros Ventre feed-grounds. That basic data collection is being expanded to all WY elk feed-grounds. That effort is a cooperative project between the WY Game and Fish, Service and USDA Forest Service.
This information is provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Denning Activities
Wolf packs are denning and monitoring flights are still being conducted to determine the number and location of dens.
In the Greater Yellowstone area - 14 packs have denned, 6 packs might have denned and one group did not den. The Teton Pack (2 females may have bred again this year) at least 4 - 5 pups have ben seen, Washakie, Sunlight, Absaroka (the alpha male that had manage this winter is still going strong), Beartooth, Green River have denned. The Gros Ventre and Greybull River may have denned and we are continuing to investigate. One of the yearlings from the Teton pack and 5 from the Yellowstone Delta pack [2 collars left] have apparently chewed off their radio collars that were put on this winter. Swan Lake, Leopold, Rose, Druid [2 dens], Mollie’s, Nez Perce, Cougar Creek, Taylor Peak, and Freezeout [female seen nursing 3 pups- she was the original alpha female of the Taylor Peak pack but dispersed in 2001] packs have denned. Yellowstone Delta, Chief Joe, Sheep Mountain, and Mill Creek have probably denned but we aren’t sure at this time. The Tower pair has not denned. Observations on the 14th indicated that Leopold, Swan Lake and Druid moved their dens to new locations. The alpha female (#7) of the Leopold pack (who was the daughter of #9 also reintroduced in 1995) died and the initial necropsy indicates she was probably killed by other wolves.
Wildlife Services flew about 2 hours near Red Lodge where a group of 4-5 wolves has been repeatedly observed. WS was hoping to catch them in the open and put a collar in the currently unradioed group. No wolves were seen but wolves are still being reported in that area.
Two of the 5 surviving relocated Gravelly pups are still in the Yaak Valley but 3 are missing. The yearling male returned from spending the winter in Canada and was near Flathead Lake on his last location. The adult female is still presumed to be in Canada.
Please report wolf sightings in MONTANA, IDAHO, OR WYOMING! If outdoors enthusiasts or AGENCY BIOLOGISTS report evidence of wolves to you please pass that information along to the Service.
Control
On the 9th, a young adult male black wolf was shot by a landowner as it fed on a calf it had just killed on private property in the Paradise Valley in the northern portion of the Greater Yellowstone area. Wildlife Services and Service LE investigated and confirmed the calf was killed by the wolf and the wolf was legally taken as allowed by the experimental population rules. In response to the depredation, the landowner and adjacent neighbors were issued shoot on site permits that will allow them to take one (in total) other wolf if they see it on their private property in the next 45 days. Wolves killed a deer in the same pasture near livestock on the 13th.
A cocker spaniel dog was apparently attacked by a lone wolf near Livingston, MT in late April. The dog was rescued by its owner who frightened the wolf away. The dog was severely injured but will likely live. Neither control nor compensation is provided in these types of situations.
Research
Bangs attended a wolf PVA/Conservation meeting in Sweden May 1-4 and gave a presentation about wolf conservation issues on the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska, the northern Rocky Mountains, and the recent peer review questionnaire about wolf population viability. Six North American biologists/geneticists were invited to attend along with 15 or so Swedish and Norwegian biologists. The wolf population in Sweden and Norway was extirpated many years ago but recently a few (3 in total) dispersers from western Russia/eastern Finland made it into central Sweden. The population now totals about 80 animals, nearly all of which are in Sweden. The growing wolf population is an increasingly controversial issue to the two countries’ resource agencies and politicians. The issue has the usual cast of characters including native reindeer herders, livestock’s producers, hunters, wildlife advocates, wolf conservation groups, animal rights groups, and urban vs. rural attitudes as well as agency biologists and every level of local to international politics. The primary issue discussed was how many wolves are enough and is there a problem with genetics since there were so few (three) founders. The key issue that everyone seemed to agree on was the importance of maintaining gene flow. The Swedish government policy is to encourage wolf population growth to 200 wolves then reevaluate if more are needed to sustain a viable population in Sweden. Sweden also has about 1500 European lynx (20-25 kg), 1,000 brown bears (smaller and more secretive than those in N. America), and an unknown number of wolverines. Very interesting and informative meeting with direct application to the issue of wolf population conservation in the northern Rocky Mountains of MT, ID, and WY.
Information and Education and Law Enforcement
The Service is advertising for a seasonal wolf biologist to help trap and radio collar wolves this summer. The announcement opened on the 13th and will remain open for the next two weeks. See USAJOBS for details.
The Nez Perce Tribe has opportunities for field volunteers to assist in their wolf recovery efforts. Contact: 208-634-1061 or email at cherir@nezperce.org. Please submit current resume’ by April 30, 2002.
On the 14th, Fontaine and Defenders of Wildlife Representative Suzanne Laverty met with local residents in the Ninemile Valley in NW MT to discuss wolves and if the Defenders can help with preventive measures to reduce the potential for wolf/livestock conflict.
Niemeyer, Mack, and the Service’s R-1 Regional Director met with wolf advocates in Boise, ID on the 16th, to hear their concerns. The RD had met earlier in the year with primary those who opposed wolf restoration efforts.
On the 16th, Bangs attended and gave a presentation at the MT FW&P Region 2 biologists meeting in Missoula, MT. About 20 MT FW&P employees and a MT Fish and Game Commissioner attended.
On the 15th, Bangs was interviewed for an article for Range magazine. Reporter Tim Finley drove to Montana from Fallon, NV for the story.
Jimenez attended a meeting in Pinedale, WY with Forest Service, Wildlife Services, WY G&F, John Shivik (WS Research) and a wool grower to discuss wolves, bears and sheep. Jimenez also met with the Jackson Hole Cooperative Elk Study Group (FS, WY G&F, National Elk Refuge, Grand Teton Park) in Jackson on April 23rd.
Dr. Douglas Smith gave a talk to the University of Idaho graduate seminar on April 25, 10 students attended. On the 26th, he talked to 75 Univ. of Idaho students with the College of Forestry and Wildlife. On te 28th he talked to about 20 students at the College of Southern Idaho. Smith attended the Northern Range working group meeting on the 14th, and gave a talk to Park bus drivers on the 13th. He traveled to S. CA and gave talks at the Univ. of CA, San Diego on the 17th, and 2 talks on the 18th at the CA Wolf Center.
On the 10th, Bangs did an interview in Boise, Idaho for a High Country News radio show.
On the 11th, Bangs and Curt Mack (Nez Perce Tribe) met with Peter Jennings and an ABC documentary crew in Stanley, ID. Interviews were done in a helicopter as the Wild Horse pack was located near Sun Valley, ID. The pack of 5 has not denned this year- it appears that the alpha female was killed by an elk in early winter and the pack did not find a replacement in time to produce pups this year. The alpha male (B-2) is one of the original 1995 reintroduced wolves and is noticeably gray. After the helicopter flight, on-film interviews were conducted. The hour long documentary will examine the role and relationships between federal and state governments, using the wolf recovery program as an example of the complicated and often conflicting relationship between state and federal authority under our system of government. The show will air this fall.
Cater Niemeyer went to New Mexico on the 9th, to assist the Mexican wolf program in catching a radioed pair that had wandered outside the recovery area. Their 7 pups had already been removed from the wild. Early Friday morning on the 10th, both adults were quickly darted. By that evening they were placed in an enclosure with their pups, and immediately re-bonded. Carter "the darter" pulls it off again- great job! On the night of the 11th, he met with Peter Jennings and the ABC documentary crew in Boise, ID.
This information is provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Wolves should be searching out den sites now and will be denning later this month. Monitoring flights will be conducted to determine the number of location of denning wolves.
Please report wolf sightings in MONTANA, IDAHO, OR WYOMING!! If outdoors enthusiasts or AGENCY BIOLOGISTS report evidence of wolves to you please pass that information along to the Service. This appears to be a record year for wolf dispersal and evidence is mounting that there are several packs and pairs that have formed that do not contain radio-collared members. We find them primarily through public and agency reports- so please help!!
Control
This year permits were given to several Montana sheep ranchers after they had confirmed losses. To date no wolves have been taken under these permits.
Despite repeated statements by the Service that it would not be relocating many wolves and that lethal control would go up as wolf populations increase, we have been getting many calls and emails from the public who are very upset that wolves are being killed, especially wolf #224 from the Druid pack in Yellowstone. He was very visible and many people identified with him on an individual basis. This controversy will likely increase as more lethal control is conducted. One of the consequences of having a rapidly expanding wolf population is an increased number of conflicts and increased wolf control. However, given the emotional nature of wolf issues, the controversy is expected as is the potential for litigation.
Research
The Yellowstone National Park winter predation study began on March 01 and ended on March 30. The 30 day study follows wolf packs every day on the ground and by aircraft [weather depending] to measure the predation rate and prey selection of wolves. This work has been conducted Nov.15 - Dec.15 and March 01 - 30 for the past 5 years. This has been the worst winter weather on record for flying but ground crews are doing their best to keep up.
Asher conducted more rubber bullet training in the Paradise Valley on the 1st and put newer batteries in the RAG box in use there. She also hiked into the area where the Sheep Mountain pack had localized searching for a potential den but none was found and the wolves started moving around again. She did the same for the Chief Joseph pack which has been hanging out in Cinibar and Tom Miner Basin. If the packs were cleaning out dens in "bad" locations we would fill the dens with moths balls and disturb the sites to hopefully get the wolves to den in better locations. Last year we successfully caused the Chief Joseph pack to den in Yellowstone National Park rather than Cinnabar Basin again.
Information and Education and Law Enforcement
Bangs attended and gave the evening presentation at the MidWest Wolf Stewards meeting at Two Harbors, MN on the 3rd. About 70 people from the mid-west, representing MN, MI, and WI state agencies, Wildlife Services, National Park Service, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Universities, Stockgrowers, and wolf conservation groups attended.
The Nez Perce Tribe’s annual and weekly report can be seen at: Wolf Center or visit their web site at Nez Perce Org.
On the 16th of January, Montana released its draft state wolf management plan for public review and comment. The draft "Planning Document for Wolf Conservation and Management in Montana" and the Wolf Advisory Council’s "Report to the Governor" are available via MT FW&P’s web site at: www.fwp.state.mt.us. To request copies call: 406-444-2612.
THE ANNUAL WOLF CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD IN BOISE, IDAHO
The Conference is scheduled for April 23rd and 24th at the Owyhee Plaza Hotel: 1-800-233-4611.
CONTACT: joe_fontaine@fws.gov or Joe Fontaine: 406-449-5225 x206. The agenda is outlined below. See http://www09.tierranet.com/forwolves.org/confer2002.html to register or for more information.
The 14th Annual North American Interagency Wolf Conference
Owyhee Plaza Hotel, 1109 Main St, (in the Ballroom on the Mezzanine level)
Boise, Idaho
Monday - April 22nd through Wednesday - April 24th
Schedule of Events
Monday - April 22nd
8:00 am - 4:00 pm ~ Field Trip: Dances with... Sheep?
Its spring lambing season and the Soulen sheep ranch has invited those interested in discussing issues surrounding sheep ranching in wolf country... or is that wolf restoration in sheep country? Lunch and transportation will be included. Carter Niemeyer, US Fish and Wildlife Service Idaho Wolf Project Leader, will be on hand to answer questions about the Service's role in managing wolves and livestock conflicts in Idaho. Suzanne Laverty, Northwest Field Representative, will discuss Defenders of Wildlife's wolf compensation and proactive programs. Departs from the Owyhee Plaza Hotel lobby at 8:00 am. Lunch and transportation is provided. Cost: $ 45.00.
7:00 - 9:30 p.m. "A Night of Wolves" Public Earth Day Event
Owyhee Plaza Hotel, 1109 Main St, (in the Ballroom on the Mezzanine level) in Boise
Join us for an evening of educational and cultural presentations featuring stories and songs of the ancient relationship between wolves and the indigenous peoples of the West, presented by Black Beaver of the Nez Perce tribe; "Wolves: A Legend Returns to Yellowstone," a documentary by National Geographic’’s Bob Landis will be followed by an update on Yellowstone wolves by National Park Service Wolf Coordinator Dr. Douglas Smith; and a unique wolf program by Colorado’’s Mission Wolf, featuring Rami, a wolf raised in captivity and "educational ambassador" for her species. Local, regional and national environmental groups will participate with displays and information. Admission: $ 5.00 adults and $ 2.00 for children 12 and under.
Tuesday - April 23rd
The 14th Annual North American Interagency Wolf Conference
Sponsored by Boise State University, Defenders of Wildlife, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the Wolf Recovery Foundation, and Yellowstone National Park
Owyhee Plaza Hotel, 1109 Main St, (in the Ballroom on the Mezzanine level) Boise, Idaho
8:00 am - 8:05 am ~ Introductions and announcements by conference coordinators, Joseph Fontaine, US Fish and Wildlife Service and Suzanne Laverty, Defenders of Wildlife.
8:05 - 9:00 am ~ The Ripple Effect. Dr. Paul Paquet, University of Alberta.
9:00 - 9:30 am ~ Status of Wolf Recovery in Southwestern Montana. Val Asher, Wildlife Biologist, Turner Endangered Species Fund.
9:30 - 10:00 am ~ Wolf Recovery in the Southern Rockies. Mike Phillips, Turner Endangered Species Fund.
10:00 - 10:30 am ~ Wolf Update for Wisconsin and Michigan. Pam Troxell, Timber Wolf Alliance Coordinator.
10:30 - 11:00 am ~ Status of Red Wolf Recovery. Bud Fazio, Team Leader, Red Wolf Project.
11:00 am - noon ~ The Status of Delisting Wolves in the Northern Rockies
Moderator: Dr. John Freeman, Boise State University
Dave Moody, Wyoming Dept of Game and Fish, Greg Schildwachter, Idaho Policy Advisor, Idaho Office of Species Conservation and Carolyn Sime, Research Biologist, Montana Dept of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Noon - 1:00 pm ~ Buffet Style Lunch
1:00 - 1:30 pm ~ Status of Wolf Recovery in Northwestern Montana. Tom Meier, Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
1:30 - 2:00 pm ~ Human Injuries Caused by Presumably Healthy Wild Wolves in Twentieth Century North America. John C. Carnes, University of Idaho; Victor Van Ballenberghe, U.S. Forest Service Northwest Research Station.
2:00 - 2:30 pm ~ Wolf Recovery in the Lower 48 States - What Happens Next?. Nina Fascione, Director of Carnivore Conservation, Defenders of Wildlife.
2:30 - 3:00 pm ~ Permit Buyout as a Partial Solution to Public Lands Conflicts. George Wuerthner, Organizer, National Public Lands Grazing Campaign.
3:00 - 3:30 pm ~ Break
3:30 - 5:00 pm ~ Panel Discussion: Delisting Wolves in Idaho
Moderator: Marsh Franklin, Idaho Public Television
Ed Bangs, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Curt Mack, Nez Perce Tribe, Dr. Ralph Maughan, Wolf Recovery Foundation, Ted Hoffman, Idaho Cattle Association, Suzanne Laverty, Defenders of Wildlife, and Senator Laird Nay, Idaho State Legislature.
6:30 pm ~ no host bar
7:00 pm ~ Banquet dinner followed by music and dancing to Idaho’s Bitter Brush Blues Band. The 2001 Alpha Award will be presented by the Wolf Recovery Foundation.
Wednesday - April 24th
8:00 - 8:30 am ~ Westward-Bound Wolves: From Conflict to Resolution. Nancy Weiss, California Species Associate, Defenders of Wildlife.
8:30 - 9:00 am ~ Nonlethal Radio Activated Guard for Deterring Wolf Depredation in Idaho: Summary and Call for Research. Stewart Beck, Wildlife Research Center; Rick Williamson, Wildlife Services; Carter Niemeyer, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; John Shivik, National Wildlife Research Center.
9:00 - 9:30 am ~ Restoring the Gray Wolf to Idaho: Progress Report 2001. Curt Mack, Isaac Babcock, Keith Lawrence; Nez Perce Tribe.
9:30 - 10:00 am ~ Break
10:00 - 10:30 am ~ Wolves in Utah: An Analysis of Potential Impacts and Recommendations. Trey Simmons, T. Adams Switalski, Andreas Cahvez, Shiree L. Duncan, and Robert H. Schmidt; Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife, Utah State University.
10:30 - 11:00 am ~ Linking Social Behavior to a Population Viability Analysis for a Gray Wolf Population in the Central Rocky Mountains. Carolyn Callaghan, University of Guelph, Central Rockies Wolf Project; John Vucetich, and Miroslaw Kuc.
11:00 - 11:30 am ~ Citizen Involvement - More Than Just One Vote: Stressing the Importance of Public Education and Citizen Activism in Wolf Recovery Policy Decision Making. Sally Englehart, Wolf Recovery Foundation.
11:30 - Noon ~ The Ethics of Wolf Reintroduction. John Marvel, Executive Director, Western Watersheds Project.
Noon - 1:00 pm ~ Lunch
1:00 - 1:30 pm ~ Wyoming Wolf Restoration. Mike Jimenez, Wyoming Project Leader, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
1:30 - 2:00 pm ~ Reintroduction Obstacles and Achievements: Milemarkers of the Effort. Carter Niemeyer, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
2:00 - 2:30 pm ~ Status of the Mexican Wolf. Brian Kelly, Mexican Wolf Recovery Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
2:30 - 3:00 pm ~ Benefits of a Collaborative Approach. Emily Charoglu, Enviroissues Inc.
3:00 - 3:30 pm ~ Break
3:30 - 4:00 pm ~ Evaluating Predator Compensation Programs: Are They Effective at Increasing Tolerance Towards Predators? Jessica Montag, Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana.
4:00 - 4:30 pm ~ Ecology and Behavior of Coastal Wolves. Dr. Paul Paquet, University of Alberta; Chris Darimont, Chester Starr.
4:30 - 5:00 pm ~ The Yellowstone wolves: An update. Dr. Douglas Smith, Yellowstone Center for Resources, Yellowstone National Park.
End of Conference
This information is provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
GRAY WOLF RECOVERY STATUS REPORTS
From: Gray Wolf Recovery Coordinator, Helena, MT - 02 Nov 2001
Subject: Status of Gray Wolf Recovery
Monitoring
Famous Yellowstone female wolf #9 (whose radio-collar is dead) was seen this week with 2 other adults and 3 pups in the Beartooth pack. The pups are assumed to be from her daughter, who is the pack’s alpha female. Wolf #9 is nearly white and lags behind the pack but still hanging in there. No attempts will be made to re-collar her.
Please report wolf sightings!! If hunters report evidence of wolves to you please pass that information along to the Service.
Control
A small dog (registered Pomeranian) was killed by a wolf near Kemmerer, WY. Apparently the dog ran out toward another animal in the front yard around noon and was grabbed. The owners scared the wolf off and it dropped the dog, but it was dead. Near the same area 2 border collie type dogs were also injured, probably by the same wolf(s). Both survived but one is in very serious condition. Attempts are being made to capture and collar the wolf to determine if any other wolves may have been involved. Unconfirmed reports suggest more than one wolf may be in the area. Sheep were killed by a lone wolf in this area during the summer and lethal control may be re-authorized.
In the Dunior Valley (near Dubios, WY) a McNab-type collie was killed at a house a few miles from the 2001 Washakie pack den. Lethal control was reinitiated since this pack also killed livestock this summer. Earlier attempts to remove 2-3 uncollared pack members were postponed because of the big game hunting season which has now ended. WS began trapping this week, if unsuccessful aerial gunning will be considered.
Research
Nothing new to report.
Information and Education and Law Enforcement
A hunter reported finding a dead wolf in the Gravelly Range. Its carcass was recovered and its death is under investigation by law enforcement.
A gray female pup was accidentally killed in a snare set for coyotes in Idaho. The wolf was found on private land near Driggs, just west of Grand Teton National Park. The incident was immediately reported and law enforcement is investigating. The experimental population rules allow for the accidental taking of wolves during otherwise legal activities. This incident is of particular interest because no known wolf packs/dens are documented near that area.
On the 30th, the Service’s Portland and Denver Regional Offices, Snake River Basin Field Office in Boise, and the Recovery Coordinator participated in a conference call to discuss coordination of wolf recovery issues in the northwestern US and on the national wolf reclassification proposal.
The Defenders of Wildlife is sponsoring "CARNIVORES 2002" in Monterey, CA November 17-20, 2002. The Conference will address issues and research on all carnivores, including cats, dogs, bears, mesocarnivores, marine, and avian. For more information see www.defenders.org/carnivores2002. The deadline for abstracts and session suggestions is February 2002. The Carnivores 2000 Conference was very successful and selected proceedings were published in a special edition of the Endangered Species Update, July/August 2001, Vol 18(4):93-192.
This information is provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Pack Information and Monitoring
Thirty breeding pair recovery goal was met in 2000. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has now confirmed that in 2000 there were 30 breeding pairs of wolves in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming, making last year the first year of the 3 year count down toward achieving the 30 breeding pair recovery. This year 2001, will be the second year of the 3 year count down to meeting the delisting criteria of 30 breeding pairs distributed throughout Montana. Idaho and Wyoming for 3 successive years. If the wolf population remains at or above 30 breeding pair this year and in 2002 (which is highly likely) - the wolf recovery goal will be met December 31, 2002. The delisting process, including extensive public involvement, could be proposed in early 2003, assuming all 3 state wolf conservation plans are in place. Thanks to WS (Mike Svedin, Justin Mann, and Rick Williamson) and the Nez Perce Tribal biologists for continuing great work and follow-up.
All wolf packs appear to be in their normal home ranges. Very little movement and activity this time of year with the packs localized around the rendezvous sites.
Control
Nothing to report on Yellowstone wolf packs.
Research
On the 14th, Bangs met with Turner Endangered Species Fund biologists in Bozeman to discuss the USDA Wildlife Services - led aversive conditioning research as well as the future potential use of the TESF facility and personnel. So far the TESF has been a tremendous asset to managing wolves and potential conflicts with private lands in SW Montana.
Information and Education and Law Enforcement
The Fall 2001 issue of "International Wolf - The Global Challenge of Living with Wolves" contained short articles by Meier (Wolves of the World [US]) and Bangs (Wolf Management Zoning) as well as several other subjects (control, non-lethal methods, wolves and public land grazing, benefits of livestock ranching in the west, value of wild lands, etc.). Copies of the Meier or Bangs articles can be faxed to agency cooperators that are interested. Please leave your FAX number at ed_bangs@fws.gov.
Meier attended a Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 1 biologist meeting at Logan State Park near Kalispell, MT on the 12th. Tom gave a presentation about the wolf recovery program to about 70 people.
Niemeyer and Boise office field supervisor Bob Ruesink spoke to approximately 80 people at a meeting about living with large carnivores. The meeting was held on the 14th in Boise, Idaho and was hosted by the Idaho Environmental Forum. Information about brown bears, black bears, and mountain lions was presented by state and federal biologists.
This information is provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Pack Information and Monitoring
All wolf packs appear to be in their normal home ranges. Very little movement and activity this time of year with the packs localized around the rendezvous sites.
A grizzly cub was found dead in the Druid Peak pack territory and is believed to have been killed by the pack but couldn’t be confirmed.
A cooperative effort was made by agency personnel and a livestock producer to locate and radio collar a member of the Gros Ventre pack. A livestock producer in the Gros Ventre area in Wyoming informed Jimenez of possible wolves in the area. A search was conducted on the 12th with the help of Forest Service personnel from the Black Rock Ranger Station. Wolf tracks were found and Nelson from WS initiated a trapping effort. On the 13th, a black yearling female from the Gros Ventre pack was radio collared and released on site. The wolf would not have been captured without everyone’s help. Great Job!!!!!
Control
On the 15th, Temple and Bradly with TESF captured an 89-pound 2-3 year-old male in the Taylor Peak pack. The male was radio collared and released on site. Trapping was conducted in an effort to keep the pack from going near ranch buildings and a small band (20 head) of sheep. On the 2nd, members of the Taylor Peak pack killed 2 sheep. A predator proof fence has now been completed and should keep the wolves away from the sheep.
Two radioed wolves from Idaho (neither have been involved in previous depredations) have been located for the past couple of months in the Big Hole Valley of SW Montana. Recently another pair of wolves was also located on the north end of the Big Hole valley. In an attempt to prevent possible livestock depredations when the prey base migrates from the valley this winter two gray wolf pairs, B80 and an uncollared gray male, B63 and 100, were successfully relocated to the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in north central Idaho. The August 18-19 effort was completed by a multi-agency team consisting of Patton, Nez Perce Tribe, Williamson and McDougal, USDA Wildlife Services, Fontaine and Chavez, Service, Stradley, Belgrade Flying Service and Brown, Idaho Helicopters. Thanks for doing a great job everyone!!!
On the 19th, Chavez met with a sheep producer in the Gravelly Range, just west of west Yellowstone, and provided rubber bullet training. The producers were also provided with a receiver to warn them if the Freezeout pack came around the bands of sheep. This was done to try and prevent any depredation by the wolves. The pack has a rendezvous site about 3 miles from the nearest sheep band which is on Forest Service allotments. There have been no problems so far. Each sheep band is protected by guard dogs and watched by a herder.
Two calves were reportedly killed by the Absaroka pack east of Yellowstone. WS investigated and confirmed the losses. It appears from radio collar locations that the alphas may not have been involved in the depredation but could have been done by one or all of the 3 yearling wolves with the pack. Trapping is ongoing to radio collar and release on site any wolves that are captured
Three ewes were recently killed near Pinedale, WY by a radio collared wolf believed to be by itself. This is the third time that this wolf has preyed on sheep. The herder has tried to chase it away by firing shots. The wolf runs just out of range and stays there. It has also been socializing with the guard dogs. It will be lethally removed by WS when possible.
Research
Jennifer Sands, MSU, Bozeman graduate student, defended her masters thesis on the 22nd. Her thesis is on Stress Hormone Levels in Gray Wolf Scat in Yellowstone National Park. Congratulations Jennifer!!!
Information and Education and Law Enforcement
On the 14th, Senator Mike Crapo, Idaho, hosted a meeting in Salmon, Idaho to take public testimony about the future of a nearly recovered wolf population in the northern Rockies, which may eventually be managed by the states. Approximately 100 people attended the meeting. Giving short statements about the de-listing process, and later listening to the testimony, were Ed Bangs of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Dr. Jim Tate, science advisor to Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton, and Greg Schildwachter, advisor to the governor's Office of Species Conservation. About 20 agency people met with the Senator prior to the public meeting.
Niemeyer and Smith gave a presentation to about 20 people at the Defenders of Wildlife class in the Lamar Valley, Yellowstone, on the 18th and 21st.
On August 21, Meier gave a talk to about 12 students from the Montana Academy, at Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge.
This information is provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Pack Information and Monitoring
The alpha female of the Druid pack reportedly denned April 4 and most other females have since gone into dens. The Taylor Peak female was laying by what look to be a freshly excavated den on the 7th. The Washakie wolf was located by the old den on the 9th. Packs in the Sunlight Basin are also near last year's dens. Flights are being conducted to monitor and locate other packs that have apparently denned. This year seems a little earlier than past years but maybe the wolves are just adjusting to being farther south. The average den date for NW MT was around April 21 but it appears that most will have denned prior to that date this year. A flight in the Ninemile Valley indicated the alpha female was near a historic den site and separated from other pack members. The Boulder alpha male and a yearling were not located and the other radioed yearling was in its normal home range but alone.
Five members of the Gros Ventre pack including the old light-colored male killed an elk near the road in the Gros Ventre drainage. The alpha female was absent and is presumed to be denning. They were observed for much of the day on the 17th. Attempts will be made this summer to trap near the den and reestablish radio contact with this pack. A group of 3 unradioed wolves continue to be reported near Togowtee Pass.
Control
On the morning of the 14th, members of the Gravely pack attacked sheep on private land next to the Blacktail Game range northeast of Dillon, MT. Wildlife Services confirmed 8 ewes were killed and another 7 may have been wounded. Lambing will start in the next week. A herder reported that 5 wolves came near the sheep again over the weekend but were driven off. On the 18th, WS caught, radioed and released an unmarked gray adult male, assumed to be the alpha. We are tracking the radioed wolf and figure out how many wolves there are and what to do to prevent further problems.
Right now we are monitoring the Chief Joseph pack after harassing them and scent marking their 2000 den site in the Paradise Valley area. Chief Joseph moved back into the Park on the 10th and all the radioed pack members were still by their old den site. On the 15th fresh dirt was seen near their old den in the Park and the female has localized in that area. More recent information indicates she has denned in the Park near the pack's historic den. So maybe it (harassment) worked! A special thanks to the Turner Endangered Species Fund biologists for keeping on top of this one- looks like their diligent efforts paid off.
On the 17th of April, Wildlife Service trapped and euthanized the lone wolf that had been killing sheep and cattle along the East Front west of Augusta, MT since last year. The unmarked black adult male had an old injury to his mouth and had lost a canine and other teeth. The pelt was rubbed but the skull will be saved for educational purposes.
A lone depredating wolf near Pinedale, WY killed a calf in the same general vicinity as previous depredations. Wildlife Services is flying the area and shoot that wolf as soon as the opportunity presents itself.
Research
Nothing new to report.
Information and Education and Law Enforcement
Because of the administration change and a backlog of personnel actions related to the large number of new fire positions in the western U.S., the two seasonal wolf jobs will not be filled until mid to late May at the earliest. Final applicants will be interviewed and notified ASAP, but with 85 applicants, competition will be intense.
Bangs gave a presentation to about 50 people at the Helena Rotary lunch on the 18th.
Smith and Jimenez participated in a live radio talk show of out Cody, WY on the 19th, mainly discussing wolf and elk relationships.
On April 19th, the Great Falls Tribune ran a front page story about the release of the Interagency Annual Wolf Report and the fact that the wolf population is reaching recovery level (30 breeding pair) and delisting is probably only 3 years away.
On the 20th, Smith traveled to Wolf Park in Indiana to participate in a series of wolf meetings.
The Wolf Park was Smith's first job with wolves (1973) even though they are all captive animals.
CONGRATULATIONS- The Nez Perce Tribe was the recipient of the National Wildlife Federation's 2000 Conservation Achievement Award for their work on wolf and salmon recovery. Nez Perce Tribal representatives traveled to Washington D.C. to participate in the awards ceremony. The Nez Perce said "It is honored to receive such a esteemed award and to be recognized for the Tribe's dedicated efforts to recover culturally significant endangered wildlife."
On the 11th, Niemeyer and Mack attended a meeting of the Idaho Legislative Wolf Oversight Committee as they discussed final edits to the draft Idaho state wolf management plan.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service issued a news release that confirmed illegal poisoning as the cause of death of 2 Idaho gray wolves. Necropsies confirmed that Idaho wolves #37 (found on Salmon-Challis National Forest) and B-96 (found about 20 miles north of Fairfield, ID and had also been shot) were killed by baits poisoned with Compound 1080. Possibly 2 other wolves from the Moyer Basin may have also been poisoned. Compound 1080 is a highly toxic substance that is illegal to possess. Service Special Agent Paul Weyland cautioned anyone in the out of doors "If you see a carcass, pile of meat, or pile dead birds or smaller mammals, please contact a law enforcement office immediately. We are very concerned for the safety of dogs and children, as well as wildlife that may be harmed by this illegal practice." Fish and Wildlife Service agents can be contacted at: 208-378-5333 [Boise, ID], 208-523-0855 [Idaho Falls, ID], 307-261-6365 [Lander, WY], 406-582-0336 [Bozeman, MT] or 406-329-3000 [Missoula, MT].
This information is provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Pack Information and Monitoring
Packs in the Yellowstone, central Idaho, and NW Montana are moving throughout their home ranges. The annual "official" count of wolf breeding pairs and new pack home ranges will be published in the 2000 annual report which should be out by February 1, 2001.
Currently, it appears that the estimated number of confirmed wolf breeding pairs in 2000 (25 plus) will fall just shy of the 30 breeding pair goal. Wolf packs/groups not counted as breeding pairs either did not produce 2 pups that survived until December 31 or had adult breeding pack members killed after pups were born. Please remember that the estimates are just that, and as is typical with most wildlife population estimates, the confidence intervals are often at best plus or minus 20%, depending on terrain, vegetation, and monitoring intensity.
In the Greater Yellowstone area there are 164 wolves in 16 groups (mean pack size was 9) and at least 11 breeding pairs. They are:
Absaroka
Beartooth [#9]
Chief Joseph
Druid Peak
Gros Ventre
Leopold
Nez Perce
Rose Creek
Sunlight
Swan Lake (152 group)
Taylor's Peak
Yellowstone Delta [formerly Soda Butte]
Packs/groups without pups include:
Mollie's Pack [formerly Crystal Creek]
Sheep Mountain
Teton
Washakie
Addition information is being collected on packs that are possible breeding pairs for 2000.
The former Crystal Pack in Yellowstone National Park was renamed Mollie's Pack in memory of former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Mollie Beattie. She was a strong supporter of the wolf recovery program. Secretary Babbitt made that announcement at his press conference in Yellowstone Park on the 13 Jan 2001.
The primary wolf relocation pilot for the Yellowstone project reported seeing 2 uncollared black wolves together on Spring Creek early this week, east of Dillon, MT. No known pack or individuals were in this area but this isn't too far from where the Gravelly "pack" (uncollared) was reported this summer. Local residents were contacted about the sighting.
This week the 3 older Sheep Mountain wolves were separated but still within Paradise Valley. This is the first time since their release on December 5th that they have been separated. We speculate that all the human activity associated with the opening weekend of the late cow elk hunting program north of Yellowstone National Park and the upcoming breeding season was the likely cause. Posters reminding hunters that wolves were in the area and asking them to help by reporting wolf sightings was available at check stations.
Capture and radio collaring efforts began in Yellowstone National Park this week. Over a dozen wolves have been collared so far. A member of the Nez Perce pack was killed by the Swan Lake pack on the 18th, less than a mile from where it had just been collared.
Please report wolf sightings!! Signs were distributed asking hunters to report wolf observations. We have copies of these signs for any agency folks willing to post them at information centers, offices, or hunter check stations, etc. Thanks to those who have been forwarding us reports it has helped located several potential new packs. When we are this close to 30 breeding pair, each wolf pack becomes very important.
REMEMBER, because of the nature of wolf pack social structure, packs confirmed one year can result in additional breeding pairs being documented for the previous year. The example of this would be Boulder pack in NW Montana. Up to five adults were seen in summer 2000 (no radio collars in the pack) and 11 wolves were documented that fall. That meant that in 1999 Boulder pack successfully bred and raised at least 2 young in 1999 so it would be retroactively counted as a breeding pair in 1999.
Control
On the 11th, Fontaine saw the Boulder pack in the open and arranged a quick capture operation with help from USDA Wildlife Services. DOL pilot Tim Grafe and WS MT Western District Supervisor Dave Nelson did a great job and they quickly darted a male pup and a female pup. Both wolves were radio-collared and released on site. The pack of 11 was together the next day. A big THANKS!! to WS and DOL for quick action and a helping hand.
On the 16th, Fontaine arranged a cooperative capture effort by the Service, TESF, and MT DFW&P for the Boulder pack. Six wolves were captured. The alpha male was radioed and released on site. Five young wolves (4F and 1 M) were placed in the pen near Bozeman and if weather allows further research with dog training collars will be attempted. They and any other wolves captured from that pack, will be relocated to NW Montana in late February or March. Six wolves (3 radioed) remain in the pack.
Research
Fontaine and TESF biologist Val Asher met with University researchers, local MT FW&P managers Fred King and Kurt Alt, and local residents south of Ennis, MT to discuss study and capture plans for this winter on the Taylor Peak pack. GPS collars will be used in an attempt to measure kill rates by this pack on the hunted Gallatin elk herd.
Information and Education and Law Enforcement
Bangs, Fontaine, and Asher attended a MT FW&P hunting regulation meeting in Bozeman on the 10th. They attended to meet local MT FW&P biologists and wardens and get a first hand look at how the state process for setting hunting seasons works. Many of the proposals this year included more hunting permits for female white-tailed deer and female elk in recognition of increasing populations and an attempt to limit game damage.
Bangs, Smith, Dominici participated in a 13 Jan 2001 news conference in Yellowstone National Park that was led by Secretary of the Interior, Bruce Babbitt. Its focus highlighted the success of the wolf recovery program. The group went wolf watching after the early morning briefing to the Secretary and press.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement are hopeful that a reward of $10,000 will encourage the public to provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or person responsible for the killing of two gray wolves in Camas County, Idaho. Two males, including the alpha, from the Smokey Mountain pack were found dead in late November/early December. Service LE agents can be contacted at: 208-378-5333.
CALL FOR PAPERS - Annual Northern Rockies Wolf Meeting in Chico Hot Springs, MT - 02-06 Apr 2001.
This information is provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Pack Information
The annual "official" count of wolf breeding pairs and new pack home ranges will be published in the 2000 annual report which should be out by February 1, 2001.
The former Soda Butte pack has been renamed the Yellowstone Delta pack. The pack was relocated from the Soda Butte area in 1996 and has lived south of Yellowstone Lake since that time. The name change is consistent with most pack names which come from local geologic features in their territory.
Control
A heifer was killed by wolves north of Browning on the 20th and another heifer was killed the following night. A WS investigation confirmed that a pair of wolves were responsible. The pair's tracks were evident. WS and the Service attempted to helicopter dart them the next day but they could not be located. No further problems have been reported. During the weekend of the 24th WS was gunning coyotes in the Deer Lodge area near where several sheep had been killed by wolves earlier this year. Fontaine was on stand-by and WS carried a dart gun with them to capture, radiocollar, and release any wolves found. No wolves were located.
WS investigated a report of a wolf killing sheep near Red Lodge on New Year's weekend. The sheep were killed by a large malamute dog and not wolves.
On the 24th, a less-than-lethal-muntions research permit was issued to a ranch north of Gardiner, MT to harass wolves on their private property near buildings or livestock using cracker shells. Wolves had been walking past the ranch house for a couple of days and appeared to be getting bolder. An offer of training and use of 12 gauge bean bag rounds was also made at that time.
Research
Nothing new to report.
Information, Education and Law Enforcement
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement are hopeful that a reward of $10,000 will encourage the public to provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or person responsible for the killing of two gray wolves in Camas County, Idaho. Two males, including the alpha, from the Smokey Mountain pack were found dead in late November/early December. Service LE agents can be contacted at: 208-378-5333.
The Timber Wolf Alliance put out a call for entries for the 2001 National Wolf Awareness Week Poster Contest. If you know an artist that may be interested have them enclose slides of their original artwork, conceived and created entirely by them to: Timber Wolf Alliance, 2001 National Poster Competition, Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, Northland College, Ashland, WI 54806. Call: 715-682-1490 for further information.
The deadline is 07 Apr 2001.
This information is provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Pack Information
In the Yellowstone Experimental Area (estimated 140 wolves) in 16 packs - 11 probable breeding pairs, 1 maybe/likely, and 4 that did not breed.
Packs that breed are:
#152 Group (2 adults + 5 pups)
Absorka (#153) (2 adults + 3 - 5 pups)
Chief Joseph (6 adults + 6 pups)
Druid Peak (7 adults + 20 pups)
Gros Ventre (3 - 4 adults + 3 - 4pups)
Leopold (3 - 5 adults + 8 - 10 pups)
Nez Perce (14 adults + 8 pups)
Rose Creek (16 adults + 11 pups)
Soda Butte (6 adults + 7 pups)
Sunlight Basin (6 adults + 4 pups)
Taylor Peaks (#115 Group) (est. of 3 adults + 4 pups).
Maybe/likely is the Wall Creek/Gravelly pack (uncollared).
Packs that didn't breed are:
Beartooth (#9)
Crystal Creek
Sheep Mtn (3 males)
Teton
Recent observations by local ranchers suggest there may be a pack of up to 7 wolves north of the Sheep Mountain territory in the Paradise Valley. Telemetry monitoring of the released Sheep Mtn. Trio should sort that out quickly. Initial snow tracking by volunteers in Wyoming indicates that the Beartooth pack (famous old #9 and her mate) did not successfully raise young this year and only 2 sets of tracks have been seen.
This winter National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Nez Perce Tribal biologists will cooperatively helicopter dart wolves in packs throughout the 3 states in an effort to increase radio-collaring and monitoring of wolves. Capture efforts will start in December, depending on weather and intensify starting in January. In addition, use of a draw bait and neck snares with safety locks will be used opportunistically to place radios in several uncollared new packs.
Control
Turner Endangered Species Fund biologists Val Asher, Liz Bradley and Larry Temple met with a sheep rancher in Tom Miner Basin to help wrap up this summer's fencing project. They also have been searching from the ground for the Sheep Mtn Trio. and cut tracks by the Yellowstone River on the 13th. They are also making contact with local residents. Temple looked for tracks in the Gravelly Range on the 14th but most access was blocked by snow drifts. He did pick up a signal from #115 on the Sun River Ranch. The Service is using TESF biologists to help monitor wolves and conduct basic field work north and west of Yellowstone National Park. Their help is appreciated.
A similar pro-active relocation project is being planned for 3-4 wolves that have recently been located in the Big Hole Valley of Montana. Previously 2 different sets of wolves in that area began to depredated on livestock in the spring because most elk and deer winter elsewhere. Discussions are ongoing between Wildlife Services, Forest Service, State Wildlife agencies, and Tribal representatives in Idaho and Montana to identify potential hard release sites, most likely in northern Idaho and/or northwestern Montana. The guidelines to date have recommended that the recovery area with the fewest breeding pairs serve as the release site for relocated wolves. Wolves from Northwest Montana were moved to Yellowstone in 1996 and to central Idaho in 1997, and wolves from central Idaho were moved into Northwest Montana in 1999 using that same logic. The criteria for hard release sites are: at least 60 or so miles from areas where the relocated wolves have been before, no resident packs, areas that have been occasionally visited by lone dispersing wolves, few livestock, abundant natural prey-preferably white-tailed deer, and relatively secure from high levels of human activity. Hard released wolves probably will not stay where released and will likely move several miles in the general direction of "home". As soon as a decision can be made local resource agencies and the public will be notified as to the Service's intentions. Bad weather has postponed any capture attempts until at least next week.
On the afternoon of the 27th, Service biologists, Bangs, Fontaine, Meier, and Jimenez and Montana Dept of Fish Wildlife and Parks biologist Sime for a presentation by Carrie Hunt (The Partners in Life Program) on her use of aversive conditioning, including Karelian Bear Dogs. Montana Dept of Fish Wildlife & Parks bear specialist Tim Manley also participated. Carrie's group is contracted with Montana Dept of Wildlife Fish and Parks to "condition" bears to avoid humans and buildings. This program has been successful and has greatly reduced the number of bears that have to be destroyed because of conflicts with people.
This summer/fall sheep producers north of Pinedale, WY that reported several sheep killed by a lone black wolf. The Service asked Wildlife Service to remove the animal if they had the chance at that time. No wolf was removed and the problem seemed to have gone away. A producer occasionally saw a lone black canid late this fall but other than "playing" with his dog it wasn't causing any problems and he didn't really mind it being around. This week he reported finding several sheep that had been attacked with wolf tracks nearby. WS is investigated and confirmed the attacks were caused by a lone wolf-like canid. The Service has asked WS to try kill the animal.
Research
Winter predation study ended in Yellowstone National Park on the 15th of December. The volunteers are through for this season - a BIG THANKS to Robert Buchwald, Susan Chin, Rachel Gray, Ky Koitzsch, McNeil Lyons, Julie Nelson, Melissa Peer, and Charles Totten. This winter was much like previous ones. Wolf packs under 20 wolves killed an elk about every 3 days, the 2 packs over 20 had slightly higher kill rates. There was a recent interaction with Druid mixing it up with 3 Rose Creek wolves, no mortalities on either side. Of the 45 adult female elk radio-collared last March one was immediately killed by a lion and its death was considered capture related. The only one that has died was also from lion predation. Radioed elk have moved to winter ranges. More adult female elk will be collared this winter.
The Sheep Mountain trio was released on the 5th. They have stayed together and been located at their old den site, rendezvous site, and west of Highway 89, in the eastern part of their old home range. They will be monitored weekly after this week, although the Turner ESF team may attempt some ground tracking to evaluate its effectiveness. Local ranchers in the Sheep Mnt. Territory will continue to be contacted about the wolves' locations.
Information and Education and Law Enforcement
Jimenez talked about 70-80 people on the 6th in Jackson, to a meeting of the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance. He also gave a talk to about 30 biologists at the WY Wildlife Society meeting in Dubois, WY. On the 12th, he talked with 25-30 sled drivers and interpretative specialists at the National Elk Refuge in Jackson, WY.
Smith gave a talk to about 40 of the concessionaire winter sled coach drivers on December 8.
Bangs met with Sierra Club representatives and Attorneys from Earthjustice on the 12th in Bozeman to discuss their concerns related to their 60-day Notice of Intent to sue over wolf control issues in northwestern Montana. They are concerned options other than lethal control are not being evaluated or used. Regional Solicitor Margot Zallen participated by phone.
This information is provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Research
Aversive conditioning trials for the 3 Sheep Mountain wolves began again this week. Last week weather conditions prevented the calf from being transported to the pen. The shock collars have been repositioned and the TESF biologist believed the problem during the last test was because the collars were not making proper contact through the wolves' thick winter fur. The procedure will be video taped and shared with other reporters who participated in the media tour/pool last month. Tests went well but the calf appeared to follow/chase the wolves around a little (payback is heck!).
The month-long Yellowstone National Park winter predation study starts November 15th . Volunteer training was conducted this week.
Information and education and law enforcement
During the week of November 13th several of the wolf program's biologists will be giving papers at or attending the Carnivores 2000 Conference in Denver, CO. Fontaine will be acting recovery coordinator and can be reached at (406)449-5225 x206.
NATIONAL WOLF RECLASSIFICATION PROPOSED
The proposal can be accessed at http://midwest.fws.gov/wolf. The 120-day public comment period ends MONDAY- NOVEMBER 13th. Anyone wanting to be placed on the Service's mailing list should write to US Fish and Wildlife Service, Gray Wolf Review, 1 Federal Dr., Fort Snelling, MN 55111-4056, use the graywolfmail@fws.gov email address, or phone 612-713-7337. A final decision is likely in July 2001. All comments on the proposal should be sent to graywolfcomments@fws.gov or by mail to: Content Analysis Team, Wolf Comments, 200 East Broadway, P.O. Box 7669, Room 301, Missoula, MT 59807.
National Reclassification Public Hearings
A wolf hearing was held on Oct. 24 in Portland, OR. Ninety-six people attended and 25 people spoke. The Boise, ID meeting on Halloween was attended by about 33 people and 11 testified. The informational/hearing in Orono, Maine was held on Oct 12, 153 people attended and 32 spoke. Generally most liked the NE DPS but wanted full protection under the Act. The last hearing was held in Twin Falls, ID on Nov. 2. A total of about 40 people attended and 15 spoke. Most were pro-wolf who wanted more protection for wolves in more places under the ESA.
Public comments, including all testimony will be analyzed this fall/winter and a final decision should be made and finalized by July 2001.
Fontaine gave 2 presentations to about 25 teenagers and teachers at the Alternative Youth Adventure school in Boulder on Nov. 8th.
This information is provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on 06 Oct 00. As of this date, 165 to 185 wolves, comprised of about 16 packs inhabit the greater Yellowstone area.
In the Yellowstone Ecosystem, the estimated maximum wolves are 165-185 wolves. This includes - 11 breeding pairs, 2 maybe or likely, and 3 non breeding pairs.
Breeding pairs or packs are - Druid Peak, Rose Creek, Leopold, Chief Joseph, Nez Perce, Soda Butte, Gros Ventre, Sunlight Basin, Absorka (#153), #152 group, and Taylor Peaks ( #115 Group). Maybe/likely is Beartooth (#9) and Wall Creek (uncollared).
Packs that didn't breed are Crystal Creek, Sheep Mountain (3 males in captivity), and Teton.
Control
A rancher in Wyoming was issued a permit and ammunition to shoot wolves on his property. The less-than-lethal ammunition (a bean bag round) can be fired from a 12 gauge shotgun. It has a range of over 100 yards but is only accurate at less than 50m. The shotgun shells contain a lead filled bean bag that is designed to provide some non-lethal negative reinforcement and condition them to stay away from the ranch house, barn, or calving pasture.
A new take permit was issued to one sheep producer, who had earlier received one of two 45-day permits to shoot a wolf in the act of physically attacking sheep. The old permits expired August 24th and were never used. While there have been no further problems, wolves continue to be reported in the area by hunters and the herders, and the permit allows a problem wolf to be taken on this remote Forest Service allotment in the Yellowstone Experimental Population area. The sheep are moving off the allotment now. The new permit, allows one wolf that is seen attacking sheep to be shot. It expires October 15.
Research
The "training" of wolves to avoid cattle as prey will begin the final round of testing this month. The program is a cooperative one between USDA Wildlife Services (Dr. John Shivik leads the research), the Service (who coordinates overall program), Turner Endangered Species Fund (cares for the wolves, provides logistic support, will assist with post release monitoring), National Park Service (provided the pen and will help with post-release monitoring), Defenders of Wildlife (supports aversive conditioning), and University of Montana (study design and expertise). The 3 wolves from the Sheep Mountain pack will be exposed to cattle (calves) again to see if they continue to avoid them. During twice weekly wolf feedings, members of the press will be allowed to accompany the TESF biologist.
During the first trails none of the wolves were suspected of attacking cattle. A calf was finally left in the pen overnight and was apparently undisturbed by the wolves, even thought they had not been recently fed . During the other trials wolves also did not even approach any of the calves placed in the pen. We are uncertain if this is because these wolves are simply are too shy to attack large prey while in the pen, or because of a single apparent training event by 1 wolf. That wolf had approached a calf hide with triggering transmitter on it, when it jumped back- suggesting its' collar may have been triggered. The other 2 wolves watched it approach the calf hide. None of them approached the hide after that incident. It is possible that this resulted in all 3 wolves avoiding anything smelling like cattle. The standard dog (Pet-Safe brand- no endorsement by the federal Government is to be implied) training collar is suspected of only being triggered on that one instance. Unfortunately the collars did not have a counting device to show how many times they may have been triggered, something that WS is attempting to add to future experiments. The study results so far indicate wolves may be quick social learners and one experience by one wolf may be quickly learned by other wolves who have simply watched. If these early encouraging results continue to indicate these wolves' lack of interest in cattle, the 3 wolves will be radio-collared and released in mid-October back in the original Sheep Mountain pack territory north of Gardiner, MT. If they depredate on livestock again they will be killed.
Information and Education and Law Enforcement
The week of October 15th is National Wolf Awareness Week. We have 100's of the posters (drawing of Mexican wolf on front and national distribution map and information on back) to display if anyone (agency or educators only please) wants them. They are great to hand out to classrooms, etc., if you are doing that type of thing. Call 406-449-5225 x204.
NATIONAL WOLF RECLASSIFICATION PROPOSED
The proposal can be accessed at http://midwest.fws.gov/wolf. The 120-day public comment period ends NOVEMBER 13th.
Anyone wanting to be placed on the Service's mailing list should write to US Fish and Wildlife Service, Gray Wolf Review, 1 Federal Dr., Fort Snelling, MN 55111-4056, use the graywolfmail@fws.gov email address, or phone 612-713-7337. A final decision is likely in July 2001. All comments on the proposal should be sent to graywolfmail@fws.gov or by mail to:
Content Analysis Team, Wolf Comments, 200 East Broadway, P.O. Box 7669, Room 301, Missoula, MT 59807.
National Reclassification Public Hearings
Public hearings will be held at the same locations as the informational meetings to hear testimony from the public. A hearing officer will run the meetings and comments will be recorded by a court recorder. People wishing to give testimony can sign up for the random drawing one hour before each session.
Hearings will be held 1:00 - 3:00 PM and 6:00 - 8:00 PM in:
Salt Lake City, UT on Oct. 12th at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center
Helena, MT on Oct. 18th at Cavanaugh's Colonial Inn-Best Western
Denver (Lakewood), CO on Oct. 26th at the Holiday Inn at Hampden
Spokane, WA on Oct. 17th; Everett, WA on Oct. 19th
Portland, OR on Oct. 24th
LaGrande, OR on Oct. 26
Boise, ID on Oct. 31 (Halloween)
Idaho Falls, ID on November 2
Hearings in the Midwest include:
October 10, 2000 - Madison, Wisconsin
October 16, 2000 - East Lansing, Michigan
October 17, 2000 - Marquette, Michigan
October 18, 2000 - Duluth, Minnesota
New England area:
October 12, 2000 - Orono, Maine
Bangs and Smith gave presentations to about 100 people at the Predator Conservation Alliance conference "Predators, People, and Places: Finding a Balance" at the Mammoth Hotel in Yellowstone National Park on the 7th.
Smith gave a talk to about 25 members of a business group "Leadership Bozeman" at Big Sky Resort on the 5th. He met with MSU and TESF representatives in Bozeman to discuss possible research in and around Yellowstone National Park on the 4th.
USFWS employees Fontaine, Meier, office assistance Greg Strandberg, volunteer Daly Sheldon, and Val Asher (TESF), and some volunteers arranged by Defenders helped build a woven wire fence in the Tom Miner Basin. The fencing was purchased by the cooperating landowner and Defenders of Wildlife. MT DFW&P bear depredation specialist Mike Madel visited the ranch last month and helped design the night pasture to protect the ranch's sheep and guard dogs from the Chief Joseph pack. That pack regularly visits that part of their home range and have killed guard dogs and sheep on several occasions. Fencing is hopefully part of a long term solution to what was becoming a chronic problem.
The Chief Joseph Pack is inhabiting the northwest area of Yellowstone.
The Crystal Creek Pack has been located in the Pelican Valley area just north of Yellowstone Lake.
The Druid Peak Pack is located in the Lamar Valley area in the northeast section of Yellowstone.
The Leopold Pack is on the Blacktail Deer Plateau area in the northern portion of the park.
The Nez Perce Pack has been located in the west central area of Yellowstone.
The Rose Creek Pack has been located west of Lamar Valley in the northern range of Yellowstone.
The Sheep Mountain Pack (Formerly the Chief Joseph II Pack), has been located just north of Yellowstone.
The Soda Butte Pack, has been located in the Thorofare wilderness area.
A female from this pack, number 24F has dispersed from the pack. She has been located with a male from the Washakie pack. These two wolves are currently inhabiting the Teton Wilderness.
They have been named the Teton Pack.
The Sunlight Pack, number 41F and number 52M, were last located just east of Yellowstone in the Sunlight Basin.
The Washakie II Pack, (a newly formed and named pack) has been inhabiting the area known as the Washakie Wilderness. It is possible that two to three wolves are members of the old Washakie and/or old Thorofare Packs.
The Gros Ventre Pack (formerly the Jackson Trio), has been located in the Wilderness area near Grand Teton National Park.
The Teton Pack, has been located in the Grand Teton National Park area.
Twelve females in ten packs have produced pups in the Yellowstone ecosystem. They are:
Chief Joseph Pack
Crystal Creek Pack
Druid Peak Pack
Gros Ventre Pack
Leopold Pack
Nez Perce Pack
Rose Creek Pack (three dens)
Sheep Mountain Pack
Sunlight Basin Pack
Teton Pack
Sixty-four (64) pups in ten packs have been observed by wildlife biologists. It is estimated that 38 of these pups are still alive as of this date.
Visitors are reminded that denning areas are closed to help protect the pups and the packs. Please check at any visitor center in Yellowstone or Grand Teton for closure areas.
Because of two confirmed livestock depredations just north of Yellowstone, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and Wildlife Services removed 6 wolves from the Sheep Mountain Pack. The alpha male was put down as it is believed that he was the leader of the depredation.
Two wolves of the Chief Joseph pack were removed due to depredation of six sheep.
A collaring operation is scheduled for January 2000. The goal is to collar approximately 20 wolves in the ecosystem. Currently 46 wolves or 32% of the total wolf population, are collared in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem.
No plans for wolf appeal - from trib.com Informational Services
"JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) - American Farm Bureau attorneys do not plan to appeal a federal ruling that allows wolves to remain in the Yellowstone ecosystem.
The organization had until Thursday to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court the Jan. 13 decision by the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
The ruling upheld that the federal program that brought wolves to Yellowstone and Idaho from Canada was legal.
"The board of directors decided not to appeal the decision," said Rick Krause, assistant counsel for the Farm Bureau. He declined to say why.
"This means the case is over and the Yellowstone wolves are here to stay."
Some of the plaintiffs said immediately after the circuit court ruling that they would appeal. One rancher predicted wolves would be shot illegally because of the decision, but that apparently has not happened."
The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver, Colorado ruled that the wolves can Stay! They overturned the 1997 ruling by judge Downes to remove the wolves! Yes, yes, yes... What great news! We are all excited. It warms the heart and brings happiness to the soul! Thanks to all for your help and support! You're Great!
Thursday, January 13, 2000 - 3:42 PM ET
U.S. Court Says Yellowstone Wolves Can Stay
DENVER (Reuters) - A federal appeals court panel on Thursday ordered a reprieve for the thriving gray wolves of Yellowstone National Park, handing a victory to environmentalists and a defeat to ranchers.
In a 3-0 vote the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver reversed a Wyoming lower court ruling that the wolves, regarded by ranchers as livestock predators, be removed.
"The wolves are here to stay. It's a great day for wolves,'' Mark Van Putten, president of the National Wildlife Federation, said by telephone from Washington.
Ranchers represented by the American Farm Bureau launched their legal battle against the wolves when they were reintroduced in 1995 after not being seen in the area for 60 years.
The original pack of 30 wolves was captured in Canada. Fifteen were sent to Yellowstone in Wyoming and the rest to wildlands in neighboring Idaho.
Van Putten said there were now more than 300 wolves in Yellowstone and Idaho.
A district court judge in Wyoming in 1997 ruled that the wolves must go but postponed implementation of the order, saying the wolves could stay until a higher court could decide the matter.
Lawyers for the Chicago-based farm bureau were not immediately available to comment.
Billings Gazette - Appeals Court reverses 1997 wolf ruling by Wyoming Federal Judge
Bozeman Chronicle - Appeals court rules in favor of wolves
CNN - Appeals court ruling protects wolves in Yellowstone
Idaho Statesman - Wolves seen near Boise as court rules in their favor
New York Times - Court To Keep Wolves in Rockies
This information is provided by the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on 13 Jan 99. As of this date, 115 to 120 wolves, comprised of about 11 packs inhabit the greater Yellowstone area. This estimate is down from the mid-summer count of 160 individual wolves due to natural mortality and control measures. About 8 packs have established territory within Yellowstone National Park as well as Grand Teton National Park. Three packs currently inhabit wilderness areas in the Yellowstone ecosystem. There are currently eight breeding pairs in the Yellowstone ecosystem.
The Chief Joseph Pack is inhabiting the northwest area of Yellowstone.
The Crystal Creek Pack has been located in the Pelican Valley area just north of Yellowstone Lake.
The Druid Peak Pack is located in the Lamar Valley area in the northeast section of Yellowstone.
The Leopold Pack is on the Blacktail Deer Plateau area in the northern portion of the park.
The Nez Perce Pack has been located in the west central area of Yellowstone.
The Rose Creek Pack has been located west of Lamar Valley in the northern range of Yellowstone.
The Sheep Mountain Pack (Formerly the Chief Joseph II Pack), has been located just north of Yellowstone.
The Soda Butte Pack, has been located in the Thorofare wilderness area.
A female from this pack, number 24F has dispersed from the pack. She has been located with a male from the Washakie pack. These two wolves are currently inhabiting the Teton Wilderness.
They have been named the Teton Pack.
The Sunlight Pack, number 41F and number 52M, were last located just east of Yellowstone in the Sunlight Basin.
The Washakie II Pack, (a newly formed and named pack) has been inhabiting the area known as the Washakie Wilderness. It is possible that two to three wolves are members of the old Washakie and/or old Thorofare Packs.
The Gros Ventre Pack (formerly the Jackson Trio), has been located in the Wilderness area near Grand Teton National Park.
The Teton Pack, has been located in the Grand Teton National Park area.
Twelve females in ten packs have produced pups in the Yellowstone ecosystem. They are:
Chief Joseph Pack
Crystal Creek Pack
Druid Peak Pack
Gros Ventre Pack
Leopold Pack
Nez Perce Pack
Rose Creek Pack (three dens)
Sheep Mountain Pack
Sunlight Basin Pack
Teton Pack
Sixty-four (64) pups in ten packs have been observed by wildlife biologists. It is estimated that 38 of these pups are still alive as of this date.
Visitors are reminded that denning areas are closed to help protect the pups and the packs. Please check at any visitor center in Yellowstone or Grand Teton for closure areas.
Because of two confirmed livestock depredations just north of Yellowstone, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and Wildlife Services removed 6 wolves from the Sheep Mountain Pack. The alpha male was put down as it is believed that he was the leader of the depredation.
Two wolves of the Chief Joseph pack were removed due to depredation of six sheep.
A collaring operation is scheduled for January 2000. The goal is to collar approximately 20 wolves in the ecosystem. Currently 46 wolves or 32% of the total wolf population, are collared in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem.
This information is provided by the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on 22 Dec 99. As of this date, 116 wolves, comprised of about 11 packs inhabit the greater Yellowstone area. This estimate is down from the mid-summer count of 160 individual wolves due to natural mortality and control measures. About 9 packs have established territory within Yellowstone National Park as well as Grand Teton National Park. Two packs currently inhabit wilderness areas in the Yellowstone ecosystem. There are currently eight breeding pairs in the Yellowstone ecosystem.
On 29 Jul 99, the appeal of the ruling by Judge Downes to remove the wolves from Yellowstone and central Idaho was heard. Oral arugments were heard by a three judge panel at the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver, Colorado. A decision on the case was not made at that time. A ruling on the appeal is expected within three to nine months.
The 1997 court ruling by Judge Downes has not altered operations by the wolf project staff. Monitoring, management and study of Yellowstone wolves is proceeding as planned.
The Chief Joseph Pack is inhabiting the northwest area of Yellowstone.
The Crystal Creek Pack has been located in the Pelican Valley area just north of Yellowstone Lake.
The Druid Peak Pack is located in the Lamar Valley area in the northeast section of Yellowstone.
The Leopold Pack is on the Blacktail Deer Plateau area in the northern portion of the park.
The Nez Perce Pack has been located in the west central area of Yellowstone.
The Rose Creek Pack has been located west of Lamar Valley in the northern range of Yellowstone.
The Sheep Mountain Pack (Formerly the Chief Joseph II Pack), has been located just north of Yellowstone.
The Soda Butte Pack, has been located in the Thorofare wilderness area.
A female from this pack, number 24F has dispersed from the pack. She has been located with a male from the Washakie pack. These two wolves are currently inhabiting the Teton Wilderness.
They have been named the Teton Pack.
The Sunlight Pack, number 41F and number 52M, were last located just east of Yellowstone in the Sunlight Basin.
The Washakie II Pack, (a newly formed and named pack) has been inhabiting the area known as the Washakie Wilderness. It is possible that two to three wolves are members of the old Washakie and/or old Thorofare Packs.
The Gros Ventre Pack (formerly the Jackson Trio), has been located in the Wilderness area near Grand Teton National Park.
The Teton Pack, has been located in the Grand Teton National Park area.
Twelve females in ten packs have produced pups in the Yellowstone ecosystem. They are:
Chief Joseph Pack
Crystal Creek Pack
Druid Peak Pack
Gros Ventre Pack
Leopold Pack
Nez Perce Pack
Rose Creek Pack (three dens)
Sheep Mountain Pack
Sunlight Basin Pack
Teton Pack
Sixty-four (64) pups in ten packs have been observed by wildlife biologists. It is estimated that 38 of these pups are still alive as of this date.
Visitors are reminded that denning areas are closed to help protect the pups and the packs. Please check at any visitor center in Yellowstone or Grand Teton for closure areas.
Because of two confirmed livestock depredations just north of Yellowstone, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and Wildlife Services removed 6 wolves from the Sheep Mountain Pack. The alpha male was put down as it is believed that he was the leader of the depredation.
Two wolves of the Chief Joseph pack were removed due to depredation of six sheep.
A collaring operation is scheduled for January 2000. The goal is to collar approximately 20 wolves in the ecosystem. Currently 46 wolves or 32% of the total wolf population, are collared in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem.
This information is provided by the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on 05 Nov 99. As of this date, 160 wolves, comprised of about 12 packs inhabit the greater Yellowstone area. About 9 packs have established territory within Yellowstone National Park as well as Grant Teton National Park. Three packs currently inhabit wilderness areas in the Yellowstone ecosystem. There are currently nine breeding pairs in the Yellowstone ecosystem.
On 29 Jul 99, the appeal of the ruling by Judge Downes to remove the wolves from Yellowstone and central Idaho was heard. Oral arugments were heard by a three judge panel at the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver, Colorado. A decision on the case was not made at that time. A ruling on the appeal is expected within three to nine months.
The 1997 court ruling by Judge Downes has not altered operations by the wolf project staff. Monitoring, management and study of Yellowstone wolves is proceeding as planned.
The Chief Joseph Pack is inhabiting the northwest area of Yellowstone.
The Crystal Creek Pack has been located in the Pelican Valley area just north of Yellowstone Lake.
The Druid Peak Pack is located in the Lamar Valley area in the northeast section of Yellowstone.
The Leopold Pack is on the Blacktail Deer Plateau area in the northern portion of the park.
The Nez Perce Pack has been located in the west central area of Yellowstone.
The Rose Creek Pack has been located west of Lamar Valley in the northern range of Yellowstone.
The Sheep Mountain Pack (Formerly the Chief Joseph II Pack), has been located just north of Yellowstone.
The Soda Butte Pack, has been located along the southern border of Yellowstone.
A female from this pack, number 24F has dispersed from the pack. She has been located with a male from the Washakie pack. These two wolves are currently inhabiting the Teton Wilderness.
They have been named the Teton Pack.
The Sunlight Pack, number 41F and number 52M, were last located just east of Yellowstone in the Sunlight Basin.
The Washakie II Pack, (a newly formed and named pack) has been inhabiting the area known as the Washakie Wilderness. It is possible that two to three wolves are members of the old Washakie and/or old Thorofare Packs.
The Gros Ventre Pack (formerly the Jackson Trio), has been located in the Teton Wilderness area.
The Teton Pack, has been located in the Grand Teton National Park area.
Twelve females in ten packs have produced pups in the Yellowstone ecosystem. They are:
Chief Joseph Pack
Crystal Creek Pack
Druid Peak Pack
Gros Ventre Pack
Leopold Pack
Nez Perce Pack
Rose Creek Pack (three dens)
Sheep Mountain Pack
Sunlight Basin Pack
Teton Pack
Sixty-four (64) pups in ten packs have been observed by wildlife biologists.
Visitors are reminded that denning areas are closed to help protect the pups and the packs. Please check at any visitor center in Yellowstone or Grand Teton for closure areas.
There have been two confirmed wildlife depredations on livestock just north of Yellowstone. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and National Park Wildlife Services recently removed 6 wolves from the Sheep Mountain Pack. The alpha male was put down as it is believed that he was the leader of the depredation.
This information is provided by the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on 08 Sep 99. As of this date, 167 wolves, comprised of about 12 packs inhabit the greater Yellowstone area. About 9 packs have established territory within Yellowstone National Park as well as Grant Teton National Park. Three packs currently inhabit wilderness areas in the Yellowstone ecosystem.
On 29 Jul 99, the appeal of the ruling by Judge Downes to remove the wolves from Yellowstone and central Idaho was heard. Oral arugments were heard by a three judge panel at the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver, Colorado. A decision on the case was not made at that time. A ruling on the appeal is expected within three to nine months.
The 1997 court ruling by Judge Downes has not altered operations by the wolf project staff. Monitoring, management and study of Yellowstone wolves is proceeding as planned.
The Chief Joseph Pack is inhabiting the northwest area of Yellowstone.
The Crystal Creek Pack has been located in the Pelican Valley area just north of Yellowstone Lake.
The Druid Peak Pack has recently been located in Lamar Valley in the northeast area of Yellowstone.
Wolf 104M a dispersing male from the Druid Peak Pack has been located with the Crystal Creek Pack and is their new Alpha Male
The Leopold Pack is on the Blacktail Deer Plateau area in the northern portion of the park.
The Nez Perce Pack has been located in the west central area of Yellowstone.
The alpha male of this pack has dispersed for unknown reasons.
Since he has left the pack, he has been located with a female yearling from the Thorofare Pack in Grand Teton National Park, south of Yellowstone.
The alpha male's radio collar has been chewed off, but since he has ear tags, biologist were able to identify him with this female wolf.
A third wolf has also been sighted with these two wolves.
The Rose Creek Pack has been located west of Lamar Valley in the northern range of Yellowstone.
The Sheep Mountain Pack (Formerly the Chief Joseph II Pack), has been located just north of Yellowstone.
The Soda Butte Pack, has been located along the southern border of Yellowstone.
A female from this pack, number 24F has dispersed from the pack. She has been located with a male from the Washakie pack. These two wolves are currently inhabiting the Teton Wilderness.
They have been named the Teton Pack.
The Sunlight Pack, number 41F and number 52M, were last located just east of Yellowstone in the Sunlight Basin.
The Washakie II Pack, (a newly formed and named pack) has been inhabiting the area known as the Washakie Wilderness. It is possible that two to three wolves are members of the old Washakie and/or old Thorofare Packs.
The Gros Ventre Pack (formerly the Jackson Trio), has been located in the Teton Wilderness area.
The Teton Pack, has been located in the Grand Teton National Park area.
Twelve females in ten packs have produced pups in the Yellowstone ecosystem. They are:
Chief Joseph Pack
Crystal Creek Pack
Druid Peak Pack
Gros Ventre Pack
Leopold Pack
Nez Perce Pack
Rose Creek Pack (three dens)
Sheep Mountain Pack
Sunlight Basin Pack
Teton Pack
Fifty-eight (58) pups in ten packs have been observed by wildlife biologists.
Visitors are reminded that denning areas are closed to help protect the pups and the packs. Please check at any visitor center in Yellowstone or Grand Teton for closure areas.
This information is provided by the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on 20 Aug 99. As of this date, 161 wolves, comprised of about 12 packs inhabit the greater Yellowstone area. About 9 packs have established territory within Yellowstone National Park as well as Grant Teton National Park. Three packs currently inhabit wilderness areas in the Yellowstone ecosystem.
On 29 Jul 99, the appeal of the ruling by Judge Downes to remove the wolves from Yellowstone and central Idaho was heard. Oral arugments were heard by a three judge panel at the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver, Colorado. A decision on the case was not made at that time. A ruling on the appeal is expected within three to nine months.
The 1997 court ruling by Judge Downes has not altered operations by the wolf project staff. Monitoring, management and study of Yellowstone wolves is proceeding as planned.
The Chief Joseph Pack is inhabiting the northwest area of Yellowstone.
The Crystal Creek Pack has been located in the Pelican Valley area just north of Yellowstone Lake.
The Druid Peak Pack has recently been located in Lamar Valley in the northeast area of Yellowstone.
Wolf 104M a dispersing male from the Druid Peak Pack has been located with the Crystal Creek Pack and is their new Alpha Male
The Leopold Pack is on the Blacktail Deer Plateau area in the northern portion of the park.
The Nez Perce Pack has been located in the west central area of Yellowstone.
The alpha male of this pack has dispersed for unknown reasons.
Since he has left the pack, he has been located with a female yearling from the Thorofare Pack in Grand Teton National Park, south of Yellowstone.
The alpha male's radio collar has been chewed off, but since he has ear tags, biologist were able to identify him with this female wolf.
A third wolf has also been sighted with these two wolves.
These wolves have been temporarily been named the Jackson Trio.
The Rose Creek Pack has been located west of Lamar Valley in the northern range of Yellowstone.
The Sheep Mountain Pack (Formerly the Chief Joseph II Pack), has been located just north of Yellowstone.
The Soda Butte Pack, has been located along the southern border of Yellowstone.
A female from this pack, number 24F has dispersed from the pack. She has been located with a male from the Washakie pack. These two wolves are currently inhabiting the Teton Wilderness.
They have been named the Teton Pack.
The Sunlight Pack, number 41F and number 52M, were last located just east of Yellowstone in the Sunlight Basin.
The Washakie II Pack, (a newly formed and named pack) has been inhabiting the area known as the Washakie Wilderness. It is possible that two to three wolves are members on the old Washakie and old Thorofare Packs.
The Gros Ventre Pack (formerly the Jackson Trio), has been located in the Teton Wilderness area.
The Teton Pack, has been located in the Grand Teton National Park area.
Elevan females in nine packs have produced pups in the Yellowstone ecosystem. They are:
Chief Joseph Pack
Crystal Creek Pack
Druid Peak Pack
Leopold Pack
Nez Perce Pack
Rose Creek Pack (three dens)
Sheep Mountain Pack
Sunlight Basin Pack
Teton Pack
Fifty-two (52) pups in nine packs have been observed by wildlife biologists.
Visitors are reminded that denning areas are closed to help protect the pups and the packs. Please check at any visitor center in Yellowstone or Grand Teton for closure areas.
This information is provided by the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on 14 Jul 99. As of this date, 157 wolves, comprised of about 12 packs inhabit the greater Yellowstone area. About 9 packs have established territory within Yellowstone National Park as well as Grant Teton National Park. Three packs currently inhabit wilderness areas in the Yellowstone ecosystem.
On 29 Jul 99, the appeal of the ruling by Judge Downes to remove the wolves from Yellowstone and central Idaho will be heard. A decision on the case may or may not be made at that time. Lawyers from both sides will give oral arguments in the appeal of this ruling.
The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver, Colorado will hear the argument.
The 1997 court ruling by Judge Downes has not altered operations by the wolf project staff. Monitoring, management and study of Yellowstone wolves is proceeding as planned.
The Chief Joseph Pack is inhabiting the northwest area of Yellowstone.
The Crystal Creek Pack has been located in the Pelican Valley area just north of Yellowstone Lake.
The Druid Peak Pack has recently been located in Lamar Valley in the northeast area of Yellowstone.
Wolf 104M a dispersing male from the Druid Peak Pack has been located with the Crystal Creek Pack and is their new Alpha Male
The Leopold Pack is on the Blacktail Deer Plateau area in the northern portion of the park.
The Nez Perce Pack has been located in the west central area of Yellowstone.
The alpha male of this pack has dispersed for unknown reasons.
Since he has left the pack, he has been located with a female yearling from the Thorofare Pack in Grand Teton National Park, south of Yellowstone.
The alpha male's radio collar has been chewed off, but since he has ear tags, biologist were able to identify him with this female wolf.
A third wolf has also been sighted with these two wolves.
These wolves have been temporarily been named the Jackson Trio.
The Rose Creek Pack has been located west of Lamar Valley in the northern range of Yellowstone.
The Sheep Mountain Pack (Formerly the Chief Joseph II Pack), has been located just north of Yellowstone.
The Soda Butte Pack, has been located along the southern border of Yellowstone.
A female from this pack, number 24F has dispersed from the pack. She has been located with a male from the Washakie pack. These two wolves are currently inhabiting the Teton Wilderness.
They have been named the Teton Pack.
The Sunlight Pack, number 41F and number 52M, were last located just east of Yellowstone in the Sunlight Basin.
The Washakie II Pack, (a newly formed and named pack) has been inhabiting the area known as the Washakie Wilderness. It is possible that two to three wolves are members on the old Washakie and old Thorofare Packs.
The Lamont Pack (formerly the Jackson Trio), has been located in the Teton Wilderness area.
The Teton Pack, has been located in the Grand Teton National Park area.
Twelve females in ten packs have denned and likely produced pups in the Yellowstone ecosystem. They are:
Chief Joseph Pack
Crystal Creek Pack
Druid Peak Pack
Lamont Pack
Leopold Pack
Nez Perce Pack
Rose Creek Pack (three dens)
Sheep Mountain Pack
Sunlight Basin Pack
Teton Pack
Thirty-nine (39) pups in nine packs have been observed by wildlife biologists.
Visitors are reminded that denning areas are closed to help protect the pups and the packs. Please check at any visitor center in Yellowstone or Grand Teton for closure areas.
A total of 24 wolves have been radio collared in an effort to better understand population dynamics of wolves in the Yellowstone ecosystem. This valuable data will help wolf biologists in determining the delisting of the wolves in the Rocky Mountain Region. This collaring effort brings the total collared wolves in Yellowstone to 51. In 1999 - 12 pups, 9 yearlings, 3 adults in 7 packs in Yellowstone's ecosystem were collared.
This information is provided by the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on 06 May 99. As of this date, 110 wolves, comprised of eleven packs inhabit the greater Yellowstone area. About 8 packs have established territory within Yellowstone National Park as well as Grant Teton National Park. Three packs currently inhabit areas near the border of Yellowstone.
The Chief Joseph I Pack is inhabiting the northwest area of Yellowstone.
The Crystal Creek Pack has been located in the Pelican Valley area just north of Yellowstone Lake.
The Druid Peak Pack has recently been located in Lamar Valley in the northeast area of Yellowstone.
Wolf 104M a dispersing male from the Druid Peak Pack has been located with the Crystal Creek Pack and is their new Alpha Male
The Leopold Pack is on the Blacktail Deer Plateau area in the northern portion of the park.
The Nez Perce Pack has been located in the west central area of Yellowstone.
The alpha male of this pack has dispersed for unknown reasons.
Since he has left the pack, he has been located with a female yearling from the Thorofare Pack in Grand Teton National Park, south of Yellowstone.
The alpha male's radio collar has been chewed off, but since he has ear tags, biologist were able to identify him with this female wolf.
A third wolf has also been sighted with these two wolves.
These wolves have been temporarily been named the Jackson Trio.
The Rose Creek Pack has been located west of Lamar Valley in the northern range of Yellowstone.
The Sheep Mountain Pack (Formerly the Chief Joseph II Pack), has been located just north of Yellowstone.
The Soda Butte Pack, has been located along the southern border of Yellowstone.
A female from this pack, number 24F has dispersed from the pack. She has been located with a male from the Washakie pack. These two wolves are currently inhabiting the Teton Wilderness.
They have been temporarily name the Teton Pair.
The Sunlight Pack, number 41F and number 52M, were last located just east of Yellowstone in the Sunlight Basin.
The Jackson Trio Pack, has been located in the Grand Teton National Park area.
The Teton Duo Pack, has been located in the Teton Wilderness.
Eleven females in ten packs have likely denned and produced pups in the Yellowstone ecosystem. They are:
Chief Joseph Pack
Crystal Peak Pack
Druid Peak Pack
Jackson Trio Pack
Leopold Pack
Nez Perce Pack
Rose Creek Pack (two dens)
Sheep Mountain Pack
Sunlight Basin Pack
Teton Duo Pack
Visitors are reminded that denning areas are closed to help protect the pups and the packs. Please check at any visitor center for closure areas.
May 13th, has been set as the date to hear the appeal of Judge Downes ruling to remove the wolves from Yellowstone and central Idaho. Lawyers from both sides will give oral arguments in the appeal of this ruling.
The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver, Colorado will hear the argument. No decision will be made at that time regarding the case.
The 1997 court ruling by Judge Downes has not altered operations by the wolf project staff. Monitoring, management and study of Yellowstone wolves is proceeding as planned.
A total of 24 wolves have recently been radio collared in an effort to better understand population dynamics of wolves in the Yellowstone ecosystem. This valuable data will help wolf biologists in determining the delisting of the wolves in the Rocky Mountain Region. This collaring effort brings the total collared wolves in Yellowstone to 54. In 1999 - 12 pups, 9 yearlings, 3 adults in 7 packs in Yellowstone's ecosystem were collared.
This information is provided by the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on 03 Feb 99. As of this date, 110 wolves, comprised of eleven packs inhabit the greater Yellowstone area. About 9 packs have established territory within Yellowstone National Park as well as Grant Teton National Park. Two packs currently inhabit areas near the border of Yellowstone.
The Chief Joseph I Pack is inhabiting the northwest area of Yellowstone. Two pups from this pack have been hit by vehicles along US Highway 191 in the past three months.
The Chief Joseph II Pack has been located just north of Yellowstone.
Biologists have been puzzled by who bred the alpha female of this pack in 1998. A large male estimated to be 1.5 to 2.5 years old was captured and collared with this pack during this years collaring efforts. It is almost certain that he is the mate to the alpha female of this pack. Because of the uncertainty of his age, it had not clear if he was breeding male last February.
The Crystal Creek Pack has been located in the Pelican Valley area just north of Yellowstone Lake.
The Druid Peak Pack has recently been located in Lamar Valley in the northeast area of Yellowstone.
Wolf 104M a dispersing male from the Druid Peak Pack has been located with the Crystal Creek Pack and is their new Alpha Male
The Leopold Pack is on the Blacktail Deer Plateau area in the northern portion of the park.
The Nez Perce Pack has been located in the west central area of Yellowstone.
The alpha male of this pack has dispersed for unknown reasons.
Since he has left the pack, he has been located with a female yearling from the Thorofare Pack in Grand Teton National Park, south of Yellowstone.
The alpha male's radio collar has been chewed off, but since he has ear tags, biologist were able to identify him with this female wolf.
A third wolf has also been sighted with these two wolves.
These wolves have been temporarily been named the Jackson Trio.
The Rose Creek Pack has been located west of Lamar Valley in the northern range of Yellowstone.
The Soda Butte Pack, has moved north of Grand Teton National Park, near Yellowstone.
A female from this pack, number 24F has dispersed from the pack. She has been located with a male from the Washakie pack. These two wolves are currently inhabiting the Teton Wilderness.
They have been temporarily name the Teton Pair.
The Sunlight Pack, number 41F and number 52M, were last located just east of Yellowstone in the Sunlight Basin.
The court ruling by Judge Downes has not altered operations by the wolf project staff. Monitoring, management and study of Yellowstone wolves is proceeding as planned.
As of this time, 51 wolves are currently radio collared in the Yellowstone area. Collaring efforts are currently in progress. So far, 11 pups, 5 yearlings and one adult in six packs in Yellowstone's northern range have been collared since operations began on 12 Jan 99. The goal is to collar 25 to 30 wolves in the great Yellowstone area.
This information is provided by the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on 16 Feb 99. As of this date, 111 wolves, comprised of eleven packs inhabit the greater Yellowstone area. About 9 packs have established territory within Yellowstone National Park as well as Grant Teton National Park. Two packs currently inhabit areas near the border of Yellowstone.
The Chief Joseph I Pack is inhabiting the northwest area of Yellowstone. Two pups from this pack have been hit by vehicles along US Highway 191 in the past three months.
The Chief Joseph II Pack has been located just north of Yellowstone.
Biologists have been puzzled by who bred the alpha female of this pack in 1998. A large male estimated to be 1.5 to 2.5 years old was captured and collared with this pack during this years collaring efforts. Because of the uncertainty of his age, it had not clear if he was breeding male last February. In addition, a despersing male from the Crystal Creek Pack has recently been located with this pack. Which is or will become the breeding male has yet to be seen.
The Crystal Creek Pack has been located in the Pelican Valley area just north of Yellowstone Lake.
The Druid Peak Pack has recently been located in Lamar Valley in the northeast area of Yellowstone.
Wolf 104M a dispersing male from the Druid Peak Pack has been located with the Crystal Creek Pack and is their new Alpha Male
The Leopold Pack is on the Blacktail Deer Plateau area in the northern portion of the park.
The Nez Perce Pack has been located in the west central area of Yellowstone.
The alpha male of this pack has dispersed for unknown reasons.
Since he has left the pack, he has been located with a female yearling from the Thorofare Pack in Grand Teton National Park, south of Yellowstone.
The alpha male's radio collar has been chewed off, but since he has ear tags, biologist were able to identify him with this female wolf.
A third wolf has also been sighted with these two wolves.
These wolves have been temporarily been named the Jackson Trio.
The Rose Creek Pack has been located west of Lamar Valley in the northern range of Yellowstone.
The Soda Butte Pack, has moved north into the central area of Yellowstone.
A female from this pack, number 24F has dispersed from the pack. She has been located with a male from the Washakie pack. These two wolves are currently inhabiting the Teton Wilderness.
They have been temporarily name the Teton Pair.
The Sunlight Pack, number 41F and number 52M, were last located just east of Yellowstone in the Sunlight Basin.
The court ruling by Judge Downes has not altered operations by the wolf project staff. Monitoring, management and study of Yellowstone wolves is proceeding as planned.
A total of 24 wolves have recently been radio collared in an effort to better understand population dynamics of wolves in the Yellowstone ecosystem. This valuable data will help wolf biologists in determining the delisting of the wolves in the Rocky Mountain Region. This recent collaring effort brings the total collared wolves in Yellowstone to 55. In 1999 - 12 pups, 9 yearlings, 3 adults in 7 packs in Yellowstone's northern range have been collared.
This information is provided by the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on 03 Feb 99. As of this date, 110 wolves, comprised of eleven packs inhabit the greater Yellowstone area. About 9 packs have established territory within Yellowstone National Park as well as Grant Teton National Park. Two packs currently inhabit areas near the border of Yellowstone.
The Chief Joseph I Pack is inhabiting the northwest area of Yellowstone. Two pups from this pack have been hit by vehicles along US Highway 191 in the past three months.
The Chief Joseph II Pack has been located just north of Yellowstone.
Biologists have been puzzled by who bred the alpha female of this pack in 1998. A large male estimated to be 1.5 to 2.5 years old was captured and collared with this pack during this years collaring efforts. It is almost certain that he is the mate to the alpha female of this pack. Because of the uncertainty of his age, it had not clear if he was breeding male last February.
The Crystal Creek Pack has been located in the Pelican Valley area just north of Yellowstone Lake.
The Druid Peak Pack has recently been located in Lamar Valley in the northeast area of Yellowstone.
Wolf 104M a dispersing male from the Druid Peak Pack has been located with the Crystal Creek Pack and is their new Alpha Male
The Leopold Pack is on the Blacktail Deer Plateau area in the northern portion of the park.
The Nez Perce Pack has been located in the west central area of Yellowstone.
The alpha male of this pack has dispersed for unknown reasons.
Since he has left the pack, he has been located with a female yearling from the Thorofare Pack in Grand Teton National Park, south of Yellowstone.
The alpha male's radio collar has been chewed off, but since he has ear tags, biologist were able to identify him with this female wolf.
A third wolf has also been sighted with these two wolves.
These wolves have been temporarily been named the Jackson Trio.
The Rose Creek Pack has been located west of Lamar Valley in the northern range of Yellowstone.
The Soda Butte Pack, has moved north of Grand Teton National Park, near Yellowstone.
A female from this pack, number 24F has dispersed from the pack. She has been located with a male from the Washakie pack. These two wolves are currently inhabiting the Teton Wilderness.
They have been temporarily name the Teton Pair.
The Sunlight Pack, number 41F and number 52M, were last located just east of Yellowstone in the Sunlight Basin.
The court ruling by Judge Downes has not altered operations by the wolf project staff. Monitoring, management and study of Yellowstone wolves is proceeding as planned.
As of this time, 51 wolves are currently radio collared in the Yellowstone area. Collaring efforts are currently in progress. So far, 11 pups, 5 yearlings and one adult in six packs in Yellowstone's northern range have been collared since operations began on 12 Jan 99. The goal is to collar 25 to 30 wolves in the great Yellowstone area.
Yellowstone National Park biologists report that they have successfully captured and radio collared 12 wolves from 5 packs in and near the park during the first phase of this year's project. The goal this year is to capture and radio collar approximately 25 to 30 free ranging wolves from 11 different wolf packs in the greater Yellowstone area. The capture and radio collaring project is a part of the monitoring and recovery plan approved in 1995 and underway since then. During last year's wolf collaring project, 27 wolves from 7 packs were captured and radio collared.
As we all know, some risk is involved in handling wildlife. During the operation on Sunday afternoon (17 Jan) in the Slough Creek area, a female pup (one of a litter of 10) from the Rose Creek pack was injured and had to later be euthanized. In a fluke accident, the dart hit the animal in the hind leg directly on the leg bone, causing a compound fracture to the tibia. Before the decision was made to euthanize the animal, it was examined by two veterinarians who felt the injury was very severe. There was low likelihood the animal would avoid infection, be successfully treated and be able to be returned to the wild after treatment, especially during the winter months when wolf packs tend to move long distances through heavy snowpack. Since wolves were reintroduced into Yellowstone in 1995, 57 animals have been captured and radio-collared without any injuries.
The capture and radio collaring project will continue in another week. All capture attempts will be accomplished by helicopter dart gunning in a safe and humane manner. Processing will include radio collaring, blood extraction, weighing, sex determination, and condition evaluation. Collared animals will be released at point of capture. The goal is to capture 30 to 50 percent of the pups in each pack and replace or install collars on the two lead adults in each pack.
Hawkins and Powers of Greybull, Wyoming, is the helicopter operator for the wolf collaring project. Experienced staff from the USDI Fish and Wildlife Service, and USDA Wildlife Services will continue to do the darting. All capture operations are being overseen by and coordinated with the Yellowstone Wolf Project staff and the park's Fire Cache (helicopter operations). This is a national park service press release.
I am encouraged by the decision of the Supreme Court Monday, January 11, not to review the federal court of appeals's decision in the McKittrick case, involving the illegal killing of a gray wolf near Yellowstone National Park.
The lower courts in this litigation made clear that the Fish & Wildlife Service's reintroduction of the gray wolf in the Yellowstone region was lawful, and that the killing of one of these wolves was illegal and warranted punishment of the perpetrator. The Supreme Court's denial of a writ of certiorari in this case leaves that judgment intact.
The outcome of this litigation sends a clear signal that our legal system will protect reintroduced wild wolves, that those who violate these laws will be punished, and that, at long last, the howl of healthy populations of wild wolves will once again be heard in their historic natural habitat in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Arizona and New Mexico.
Click Here to view Press Release
Click Here to view Wolf Decision Press Release.
This information is provided by the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on 14 Jan 99. As of this date, 112 wolves, comprised of eleven packs inhabit the greater Yellowstone area. All eleven packs have established territory within Yellowstone National Park as well as Grant Teton National Park. Two packs currently inhabit areas near the border of Yellowstone.
The Chief Joseph I Pack is inhabiting the northwest area of Yellowstone. Two pups from this pack have been hit by vehicles along US Highway 191 in the past two months.
The Chief Joseph II Pack has been located just north of Yellowstone.
Biologists have been puzzled by who bred the alpha female of this pack in 1998. A large male estimated to be 1.5 to 2.5 years old was captured and collared with this pack during this years collaring efforts. It is almost certain that he is the mate to the alpha female of this pack. Because of the uncertainty of his age, it had not clear if he was breeding male last February.
The Crystal Creek Pack has been located in Hayden Valley in the east central portion of Yellowstone.
The alpha male of this pack, number 06M, died of natural causes, probably from an injury from a bull elk.
Wolf 104M a dispersing male from the Druid Peak Pack has joined this pack and has become the new Alpha Male.
The Druid Peak Pack has recently been located in Lamar Valley in the northeast area of Yellowstone.
Wolf 104M a dispersing male from the Druid Peak Pack has been located with the Crystal Creek Pack and is their new Alpha Male
The Leopold Pack is on the Blacktail Deer Plateau area in the northern portion of the park.
The Nez Perce Pack has been located in the west central area of Yellowstone.
The alpha male of this pack has dispersed for unknown reasons.
Since he has left the pack, he has been located with a female yearling from the Thorofare Pack in Grand Teton National Park, south of Yellowstone.
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