The presence of at least four wolves has been confirmed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the Dunoir Valley, the same location as the previous Washakie Pack, which the Service caused to dissipate in 1997-8 by killing its alpha pair and one yearling for livestock depredations on the Diamond G Ranch.
Now it has been confirmed that 2 gray and 2 black wolves (and maybe a third black wolf) have formed a pack in the area. None of the wolves are radio-collared. It is probable that the wolves are one or more of the original Washakie pups (now two years old), and other uncollared wolves, such as some of the defunct Thorofare Pack, and/or other wolves that have dispersed from Yellowstone wolf packs. The two Washakie wolves with radio collars were 132M and 133M. 133M was the alpha male of the new Teton Pack, but was killed by a vehicle on Highway 26 recently. 132M is in Northern Idaho. He migrated to Idaho.
The Service indicates that the pack's movements are not consistent with a den or rendezvous site for pups.
One or more of the wolves killed a two week old colt on the Diamond G. The Service indicates that they may have to eventually take action again against the wolves in this area. Wyoming wolf project leader, Mike Jimenez was quoted in the Billings Gazette, "If there are any more problems with the wolves, we'll start killing them again. That's the same protocol we used before to stop the depredations," he said. Last winter one or more of these wolves attacked a dog in the area. The dog recovered.
My comment is that the Dunoir is some of the best grizzly bear and wolf habitat in Wyoming. As long as there are grizzlies and wolves in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem, they will be some depredations on livestock and on dogs in the sprouting recreational homes in the area. My personal view is that it's too bad the Dunoir isn't all public land or owned by an entity like the Nature Conservancy.
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