Mid-year estimate tops 1,500 wolves
by Cat Urbigkit, Pinedale Online!
September 25, 2007
“Overall, the Northern Rocky Mountain wolf population in 2007 will be higher, wolf control about the same, and confirmed livestock depredations lower than that documented in 2006,” according to Ed Bangs of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Bangs released the agency’s mid-year wolf population estimate.
Wyoming’s estimate includes 362 wolves in 33 packs involving 27 breeding pairs. Confirmed depredations include 28 cattle, 16 sheep, and two dogs.
Idaho has an estimated 788 wolves in 75 packs involving 41 breeding pairs. Confirmed depredations include 36 cattle, 150 sheep, and seven dogs.
Montana’s portion of the tri-state wolf population includes 394 wolves in 71 packs including 37 breeding pairs. Confirmed depredations include 48 cattle, 19 sheep and one dog as well as one “other.”
All told, the tri-state wolf population is estimated at 1,545 wolves, in 179 packs, including 105 breeding pairs. The wolf population is responsible for confirmed kills of 111 cattle, 185 sheep, 10 dogs and one “other.”
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