Operational Activities: Gray Wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountains
Since wolves were reintroduced into the Northern Rockies in the mid 1990's, their populations have increased substantially in ID, MT, and WY and are resulting in significant livestock predation.
In 2010, the minimum wolf population was estimated at more than 1,650 wolves in 244 packs in the Northern Rocky Mountain distinct population segment (Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, eastern one-third of Washington and Oregon, and a small portion of north central Utah.
WS personnel work closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the State wildlife agencies to respond to requests for assistance from livestock producers, and WS may trap, radio collar, or lethally remove the wolves that are involved.
Wolves and Wolf Management in Idaho
The Idaho WS program plays a crucial role in managing the expanding population of gray wolves throughout the State. From the initial reintroduction of 35 wolves in central Idaho during 1995 and 1996, the 2010 minimum year-end population was estimated at 705 wolves in 87 packs producing a minimum of 189 pups. In addition, there were 22 border packs counted for Montana, Wyoming and Washington that established territories overlapping the Idaho State boundary. During 2010, 75 cattle, 148 sheep, 2 horses and 1 domestic bison were classified by Idaho WS as confirmed wolf kills, and an additional 14 cattle, 30 sheep and 1 livestock guarding dog were considered probable wolf kills. Idaho WS cooperates with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) and the Nez Perce Tribe in live-capturing and radio-collaring wolves to facilitate monitoring. On May 5, 2011, wolves in Idaho were officially delisted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and management was turned-over to the IDFG. To learn more about wolf management in Idaho, please see the IDFG and Idaho Governor's Office of Species Conservation (OSC) websites.
Learn More About Wolves and Wolf Management in Idaho