Winter Radio Collaring
for Idaho Wolves
Number of wolves down
2-21-2001, stories added 2-23-2001
For the first time, winter radio-collaring is being done for Idaho wolves. In the past most of the collaring was done in the summer by trapping.Early results show the number of wolves in south central Idaho is down from last year, and an article in the Post Register on Feb. 20 indicated that official number of Idaho wolves at the end of 2000 -- 191 wolves -- may be too high.
Carter Niemeyer of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service told the Post Register he found only 30 wolves in the 5 or 6 packs in the Mackay, Challis, Salmon area. These packs were heavily "controlled" about this time a year ago and the Stanley Pack was controlled and disrupted last summer after sheep and livestock were brought onto its range. Two wolves were also illegally killed in the Big Smoky Pack north of Fairfield.
After aerial capture, two wolves were radio collared in the Whitehawk Pack near Clayton (they are far from their summer territory in Bear Valley Creek 50 miles to the northwest). The suspected alpha male (black) weighed 118 pounds. The second wolf collared weighed 98 pounds. The pack has five members.
Two wolves from the Wildhorse Pack in the Pioneer Mountains were collared, as were two in the Moyer Basin Pack near Cobalt, one from the Stanley Pack near Clayton, and one from the rejuvenated Jureano Mountain Pack near Shoup (25 miles NW of Salmon).
A new pack with three wolves was also discovered near Clayton. Clayton seems to be a real hot spots for wintering wolves. Last winter a few cow calves were killed in the area by wolves and many wolves were shot in response.
Darting wolves from the air in central Idaho is much more difficult than in Yellowstone Park due to the rugged terrain of central Idaho.
2-23-2001. One of the wolves recollared was venerable wolf B2M, alpha male of the Wildhorse Pack. He is now at least eight years old, said to be in good condition, but showing his age. After years of wandering by himself he met a mate in the winter of 1999-2000 and the Wildhorse Pack was born in April 2000. They inhabit the heights of the Pioneer Mountains in the summer and the high mountain valley named Copper Basin in the winter.
Added 2-23-2001. Here is the story (with photos) from the Challis Messenger.
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