Wolf population estimated at 359
by Cat Urbigkit, Pinedale Online!
March 27, 2008
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates Wyoming's wolf population at 359 wolves at the end of 2007 - that's an increase of 15 percent from 2006's 311 wolves.
The number of wolves in Yellowstone National Park increased 26% from 136 wolves in 2006 to 171 in 2007. YNP had 11 packs with an average pack size of 14.2 wolves. Pack size ranged from 4 to 22.
Wolf numbers in Wyoming outside YNP increased slightly from 175 wolves in 2006 to 188 wolves in 2007. Wyoming outside of YNP had 25 packs with an average pack size of 6.9 wolves. Pack size ranged from 2 to 13.
Breeding pairs in Wyoming slightly decreased from 25 in 2006 to 24 in 2007. YNP had 10 breeding pairs in 2007. Average litter size was 5.8 pups. Eleven packs produced 64 pups surviving through 31 December; however, 1 pack was not officially counted as a breeding pair due to the loss of both breeding wolves in the pack prior to the end of the year.
Wyoming outside of YNP had 14 breeding pairs in 2007. Average litter size was 4.5 pups. Fifteen packs produced 68 pups that survived until 31 December.
To read the complete Wyoming Wolf Recovery 2007 Annual Report, click on the link below.
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