Big Surprise. Teton Pack dens.
5-15-2001
In a big surprise the Teton Pack has denned. It was feared that once again that the pack, which had dwindled to 4 wolves due to dispersals and mortality would not den, but 200F (born in 1999) has denned.
Her brother 229M (who was radio collared last winter) has dispersed and it would appear that a new male wolf came in, mated with 200F, and kept the pack at the same size so the change was not readily apparent.
The prospective pups, which are probably already born, give new hope for wolf recovery in the Jackson Hole area, a location where recovery has lagged.
Unfortunately, efforts to retire the Mead-Hansen and other grazing allotments into GTNP have not been successful and the Park Service has given them a new permit. Soon over a thousand cattle will be in area taking this year's meager grass (drought) from the elk. The cows will also be indirectly menacing grizzly bears and wolves.
Grazing in Grand Teton National Park fact sheet (from the Jackson Hole Alliance)
Return To Maughan Wolf Report Page
Copyright © 2001 Ralph Maughan
Not to be reprinted, archived, redistributed, etc., without permission.
Ralph Maughan PO Box 8264, Pocatello, ID 83209