Large Number of Wolves appears in Eastern Idaho. Nez Perce Pack?

11-7-01, update 11-7

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After years of speculating whether Yellowstone wolves would ever come to Eastern Idaho beyond the few lone wolves that have passed through, the question may be settled, at least briefly.

For the last few days there have been reports of as many as 13 wolves in the forest fringe between Ashton and Tetonia, Idaho. The reports have been from the SW corner of Yellowstone to about 15 miles SW of the Park's SW corner, the Fall River basin, a place which no wolf pack has explored.

The Nez Perce Pack recently left its central Yellowstone home range and fought with the Druids. Since then they have been hard to spot, although I believe a recent flight showed them near the Targhee National Forest to the west of Yellowstone in Idaho.

The wolves in question have been spotted by hunters, ranchers, and other residents of the area. Some have radio collars. The location is near the Idaho/Wyoming line at the north end of the west slope of the Tetons.

I understand the wolves were near the Albertson's dairy farm, a farm that used to feed elk in the wintertime.

A tracking flight is scheduled for Thursday. That might confirm the presence of all, or part of the Park's second largest pack in the Fall River Basin area - Ashton, Idaho area.

Update 11-7: I understand Wildlife Service folks are heading to the area to investigate a livestock dog that may have been killed by the wolves. Mike Jimenez is also on his way from Wyoming.

The wolves are perhaps ranging beyond the forest out into the agricultural areas, and there is the minor panic we have always seen when wolves first show up in a new area.

The Nez Perce Pack has suddenly left the Park before, a few years ago to visit the Henry's Lake area. They soon returned to Yellowstone.

If they are going to live in Eastern Idaho, they're present location is poor, but if they would cross over the Henry's Fork of the Snake to the sand hills, there is a large concentration of wintering elk that has been overpopulated for years according to Idaho Fish and Game. I can predict, however, that given the present composition of the Idaho Fish and Game Commission, the long-standing elk surplus will suddenly disappear the first time a wolf looks at an elk on that winter range.

Today the pack was suspected of killing a blue healer dog owned by rancher Brent Harshbarger east of Ashton.