Signals Show 3 Pairs Of Wolves

A dozen of the 15 wolves released in central Idaho in January have settled into their backcountry domain and biologists say three pairs may be poised to have offspring next year.

The wolves are entering a dangerous time with hunting season and their second winter in Idaho.

Curt Mack, project leader for the Nez Perce Tribe’s wolf recovery team, Tuesday said one wolf has taken up residence in a roadless area of Montana’s Bitterroot Valley.

Another was shot near Salmon shortly after release. The radio signal from a third wolf has gone quiet.

Data gathered from regular flights over the Frank ChurchRiver of No Return and SelwayBitterroot wilderness areas show six wolves living independently.

But six others have paired up, Mack said. While it is still uncertain whether the pairs will breed, the fact that male and female wolves are traveling together is an encouraging sign.

“We’re hoping the three pairs will be the initial three packs in Idaho,” he said.

Gray wolves, an endangered species, are designated as an experimental, nonessential population in Idaho. It is against federal law to shoot a wolf unless a rancher has proof the animal killed his livestock.

Tribal biologists Mike Jimenez and Howard Teasley have been monitoring the wolves. Each wears a radio collar that transmits a signal for up to five years.The tribe is close to completing a management plan for the wolves, Mack said. It is being reviewed by various wildlife agencies and should be done within the next few weeks.

Fish and Wildlife has a five-year program of wolf releases to establish packs in central Idaho and Yellowstone National Park.