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Status of Wolves in Idaho: Population Growth, Delisting Challenges, and Future Prospects

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the status of wolves in Idaho from 2005, including population numbers, verified packs and breeding pairs, livestock depredations, known wolf deaths, and management objectives. It discusses the delisting goal, confirmed livestock depredations, 10(j) Rule, Lolo Elk Zone Recovery Proposal, delisting challenges, and state wolf management objectives. The text covers Idaho's wolf population growth, relevant regulations, and the proposed delisting by the USFWS amidst challenges such as state management plan approval and societal perspectives on wolf management.

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Status of Wolves in Idaho: Population Growth, Delisting Challenges, and Future Prospects

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  1. 2005 STATUS OF WOLVES IN IDAHO Wayne Wakkinen Wildlife Research Biologist Idaho Fish and Game

  2. BACKGROUND • Listed as endangered in 1978 (Minnesota population listed as threatened) • 35 wolves from British Columbia and Alberta reintroduced to Central Idaho in 1995 and 1996 • Reintroduced under “Non-essential experimental” designation (10j rule)

  3. DELISTING GOALWestern DPS • 30 breeding pairs well distributed in Id, Mt, and Wy for 3 consecutive years. • Goal was reached in Dec 2002.

  4. IDAHO WOLF POPULATION

  5. IDAHO PACKS AND BREEDING PAIRS (1995-2005)

  6. 2005 POPULATION SUMMARY • 512 estimated wolves in Idaho* • 370 wolves verified/observed • 36 Breeding Pairs (2 packs den in MT) • 59 Documented Packs 5 or more • 123 min. pups • 10 new packs verified *Historical estimate technique, under estimate

  7. Confirmed Livestock Depredations

  8. KNOWN WOLF DEATHS

  9. 10j Rule (Feb ‘05) and MOA w/ ID and USFWS (Jan ’06) • Idaho is lead for day-day management. • Livestock and pet owners can shoot wolves w/o prior authorization that are “harassing or attacking” (must report w/in 24 hrs) • Idaho can propose wolf control in response to unacceptable impacts on ungulates

  10. 10j vs ENDANGERED STATUS

  11. Lolo Elk Zone Recovery Proposal • Allowed under revised 10j (2005) • IDFG seeks to remove 75% of the wolves in this zone and keep the wolf population low for 5 years as part of an effort to increase elk numbers

  12. LOLO ELK ZONE PROPOSAL FUTURE? USFWS will decide: • if removal of wolves is concern for recovery • If IDFG has met obligations under 10j • NEPA? • Lawsuits?

  13. STATE WOLF MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES • Long-term healthy population of wolves (maintain at least 15 packs) • Reduce/manage conflicts • Delist wolves, manage as big game • Manage healthy, huntable populations of big game including wolves

  14. DELISTING PROPOSAL • USFWS is proposing to delist wolves • HOWEVER, Wyoming does not have an approved state management plan. • Idaho and Montana have approved plans.

  15. CHALLENGES • Wolves are a national and polarizing issue • Philosophical and social paradigm shift from Recovery to Management • Is delisting possible?

  16. Questions?

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