1. 2005 STATUS OF WOLVES IN IDAHO
Wayne Wakkinen
Wildlife Research Biologist
Idaho Fish and Game

2. BACKGROUND
Listed as endangered in 1978 (Minnesota population listed as threatened)
35 wolves from British Columbia and Alberta reintroduced to Central Idaho in 1995 and 1996
Reintroduced under “Non-essential experimental” designation (10j rule)

4. DELISTING GOAL Western DPS
30 breeding pairs well distributed in Id, Mt, and Wy for 3 consecutive years.
Goal was reached in Dec 2002.

5. IDAHO WOLF POPULATION

6. IDAHO PACKS AND BREEDING PAIRS (1995-2005)

7. 2005 POPULATION SUMMARY 512 estimated wolves in Idaho*
370 wolves verified/observed
36 Breeding Pairs (2 packs den in MT)
59 Documented Packs 5 or more
123 min. pups
10 new packs verified
*Historical estimate technique, under estimate

10. Confirmed Livestock Depredations
2005
2004
2003
Calves
Killed 14 7
Injured 1 2
Cows 4 3
Sheep
148
157
106 18 19 25
Dogs 10

11. KNOWN WOLF DEATHS 2005 2004 2003 Management WS – 24 SOS – 2 10j - 1
Illegal 10 11 7
Other 6 1
TOTAL 43 38 15

12. 10j Rule (Feb ‘05) and MOA w/ ID and USFWS (Jan ’06)
Idaho is lead for day-day management.
Livestock and pet owners can shoot wolves w/o prior authorization that are “harassing or attacking” (must report w/in 24 hrs)
Idaho can propose wolf control in response to unacceptable impacts on ungulates

13. 10j vs ENDANGERED STATUS 10j Endangered
Public can kill if attacking livestock
Not allowed
Public can kill if “harassing” livestock
“Shoot on sight” permit option
Not available
State or tribe can be “designated agent”
Similar with 10(a)(1)(A) permit
Kill wolves for unacceptable impacts to ungulates

14. Lolo Elk Zone Recovery Proposal
Allowed under revised 10j (2005)
IDFG seeks to remove 75% of the wolves in this zone and keep the wolf population low for 5 years as part of an effort to increase elk numbers

15. LOLO ELK ZONE PROPOSAL FUTURE?
USFWS will decide:
if removal of wolves is concern for recovery
If IDFG has met obligations under 10j
NEPA?
Lawsuits?

16. STATE WOLF MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES
Long-term healthy population of wolves (maintain at least 15 packs)
Reduce/manage conflicts
Delist wolves, manage as big game
Manage healthy, huntable populations of big game including wolves

17. DELISTING PROPOSAL USFWS is proposing to delist wolves
HOWEVER, Wyoming does not have an approved state management plan.
Idaho and Montana have approved plans.

18. CHALLENGES Wolves are a national and polarizing issue
Philosophical and social paradigm shift from Recovery to Management
Is delisting possible?

19. Questions?