Human-caused mortality of gray wolves in Idaho rose 53% between August 2019 and August 2020, from 382 to 583 wolves killed, according to a statement last Tuesday from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
Factoring in natural wolf mortality, Fish and Game estimated Idaho’s minimum wolf population size at 900 animals. The minimum population occurs before pups are born in March and April, the department said.
Idaho is federally required to maintain a population of at least 150 wolves, according to Fish and Game Director Ed Schriever.
“The Idaho Fish and Game Commission is responsible for managing the state’s wolf population, and it has established an objective to manage for a smaller wolf population to reduce conflicts with livestock and managing the state’s wildlife to keep a healthy balance between predators and prey,” Schriever stated last week.
Despite higher human-caused wolf mortality, Fish and Game said Idaho’s wolf populations remained stable throughout 2020. Around 1,556 wolves were living in Idaho last August, the department estimated, just 10 fewer than the 1,566 wolves estimated in August 2019. Both estimates were conducted using millions of photos from over 500 game cameras.
“Estimating wildlife populations using remote cameras is a new innovation and uses mathematical modeling to refine and improve annual estimates and compare populations from year to year,” Fish and Game stated. “The estimate includes all of the habitat occupied by wolves in Idaho.”
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150 wolves in the state is an incredibly low number. i think we all benefit from seeing these animals. they are inspiring and beautiful. i hunt elk so i understand both sides as well as the sheep killing side of the equasion. when a wolf is doing what he is supposed to do, where they are supposed to do it they should be left alone. in all the time since their introduction i have only had 2 run ins with them,once in the river and once in front of my home and both ended fine with the wolves leaving myself and the dogs alone with only 1 warning shot fired. there is no reason to kill or trap these animals unless they are killing your pets or livestock-- period. we are a richer community by having them here.
Hi Clarey ! I too have had almost a dozen interactions since reintroduction and I gotta tell you that i am so enthralled to have had those . They were indeed scary however reflecting back I fell so grateful to have had those . I too carry and if there had been one threat I would have protected myself . However it was quite the opposite . The “smart science “ suggests different and I suspect the biology that Idaho fish and game says they have is out of a “ Cracker Jack box “! Had half a dozen to a dozen biologists that have spoken out in the subject and it is very opposite of what is being told . I can’t get out of my head that a 11 out of 12 month hunt is allowed ! It’s truly out of the mind of a psychopath .
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