Figures for 2003 show decline in number of NW Montana wolves

Feb. 26, 2004

The wolf counts as of the end of 2003 are beginning to come in. There will a total count for the entire Northern Rockies wolf recovery area and separate counts for the Northern Montana/Northern Idaho area, the Central Idaho Area, and the Greater Yellowstone Area.

Wolf opponents have long been predicting the wolf population will grow and grow, apparently without end. However, figures for the Northern Montana/Northern Idaho area are now in. Surprise, no growth; instead a drop.  Wolves dropped from 108 at the end of 2002 to just 92 at the end of 2003. Moreover, breeding pairs declined from 11 to just 4.

Figures for the other two areas are expected soon. The Greater Yellowstone will probably show about a 10% growth and the central Idaho substantial growth.

Regardless of the figures, judging from the past, I predict politicians will continue to argue that wolves are growing at a massive, uncontrollable rate, devastating the countryside and causing economic ruin.