Week of May 5 - May 11, 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.
Recent monitoring flights indicated that Jureano Mountain, B93 and 97, and Selway wolf packs are denning. Thunder Mountain, Marble Mountain, B105 and mate, and Scott Mountain wolf packs appear to have localized their activities although additional monitoring will be required to determine if these packs are denning and to identify specific den sites. Recent monitoring flights now indicate that the Wildhorse pack is probably not denning, as the pack has moved extensively throughout their home range over the past week. Additional monitoring flights will be required to determine the breeding status of other Idaho wolf packs.
Recovery Project staff from Wildlife Services and the Nez Perce tribe surveyed the Big and Little Smoky drainages for wolf sign. Although signs indicated wolf presence in the area, observed sign was old and did not warrant initiating a capture operation. The project will continue to survey and attempt to capture and collar wolves in this area through the summer.
Research
Nothing new to report.
Management & Control
Recovery Program personnel continue to work with area livestock producers to minimize wolf depredations on livestock.
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
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