Week of April 28 - May 4, 2002
Monitoring
Monitoring priorities during May will focus on tracking the movements and activities of collared wolves, and locating wolf pack den sites in preparation for the summer field season.
As the wolf population continues to expand, an increased number of wolves will be uncollared compounding the difficult task of documenting formation of new packs. The Wolf Recovery Program relies on wolf sighting reports from the public to identify potential areas to survey for new wolf pack activity. Past reports of wolf activity that we have received have led to the documentation of the Wildhorse and Gold Fork packs. We are currently working with residents in areas around Riggings, Fairfield, and Salmon, Idaho, and Alta, Montana to document the status of reported wolf activity. We are also planning to initiate similar efforts in the Horseshoe Bend area. A community meeting has been scheduled for the end of April. We would like to thank all those who have taken the time to report observed wolf activity and are hopeful that continued help from the public will result in confirmation of additional wolf packs. The Recovery Program encourages the public to report all sightings of wolves or their sign. Sightings can be reported to the Recovery Program by mail at Gray Wolf Recovery Program, Nez Perce Tribe, P.O. Box 1922, McCall, ID 83638, or by phone at (208) 634-1061, or by email at cmack@nezperce.org; or Carter Niemeyer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1387 S. Vinnell Way, Rm 368, Boise, ID 83709, (208) 378-5347.
Resent monitoring flights indicate that many wolf packs are still moving widely, increasing the difficulty of identifying denning areas. The Gold Fork pack, previously suspected to be denning, moved approximately 14 miles north of their last location this week. Although traditional denning areas were searched, no locations were obtained for the Orphan, Gospel Hump, or Thunder Mountain packs, indicating continued wide movements by these packs. Additional aerial monitoring will be required to determine the reproductive status of these packs. B105 and his suspected mate are still localized in the Riggings area, however no potential den site has been identified. Of recently monitored wolf packs, Jureano Mountain, B93 and 97, and Wildhorse are the only wolves, to date, that appear to have localized and are suspected to be denning. With B66's (alpha female of the Wildhorse pack) death this winter, the status of the Wildhorse pack is uncertain. At this time, it is unknown if the Wildhorse pack includes a breeding female.
Research
Nothing new to report.
Outreach, Information, Education, & Coordination
Outreach priorities during this time of year focus on keeping local governments informed on wolf and wolf recovery activities through meetings with county commissioners in areas of existing wolf presence; informing rural communities, agencies, and potentially affected landowner of known wolf activity in new area across the state; soliciting the public's assistance to document new un-collared packs across the state; and providing information to the public about wolves and the Wolf Recovery Program through updates and progress reports. All of these efforts are prioritized according to availability of time, staff, and funding.
On 29 April, Nez Perce Tribal program staff met with staff of the Cascade District of the Boise National Forest to coordinate summer activities.
On 29 April, Nez Perce Tribal program staff and the Cascade District of the Boise National Forest held a community meeting in Cascade, ID.
Nez Perce Tribal program staff attended a two-day chemical wildlife immobilization class provided by Idaho State Veterinarian, Dr. Mark Drew.
The Recovery Program will continue to meet with County Commissioners, agencies, and host community meetings across the state during the month of April.
Management & Control
Recovery Program personnel continue to work with area livestock producers to minimize wolf depredations on livestock.
Wolves were confirmed in livestock depredations in the Big Hole area of Montana. Three wolves were seen at the site and B100's signal was located in the vicinity. It is not clear if B100 is associated with the other wolves. Montana Wildlife Services is implementing an ongoing control action.
Volunteer Opportunity
The Nez Perce Tribe is seeking volunteers to assist on the Idaho Gray Wolf Recovery Program for the 2002 field season. This is a great opportunity to gain valuable field experience while working in the rugged and beautiful backcountry of Idaho. Volunteers will work with Tribal wolf biologists to document the reproductive status of known wolf packs across the state, survey for new wolf pack activity, capture and radio-collar wolves, and work with cooperating agencies to manage wolves.
Term and Compensation: Field season runs from May 15 through 30 September. Work schedule is based on 10 days on and 4 days off. Volunteers willing to commit for the entire summer will be given preference. Transportation will be provided as well as a daily per diem of $15.00 while on duty. Some housing may be available.
For more information please contact the Nez Perce Tribe Gray Wolf recovery Project by phone at (208) 634-1061 or by e-mail at cherir@nezperce.org. Please submit a current resume by 30 April 2002 to:
Cheri Ramos
Nez Perce Tribe
Wolf Recovery Project
PO Box 1922
McCall, Idaho 83638
Home | Organization | Wolves | Library | Trips & Events | Ralph | Donations | Site Map | Guestbook | Email
Site owned by ©1998-2002 Wolf Recovery Foundation.
Site Design and Graphics by ©1997-2002 Wolff Den Design™ All Rights Reserved.
No part of this site or any material within this site may be
used without the expressed written permission from the author.