Wolves blamed for elk deaths

LEWISTON – Biologists with the state Department of Fish and Game say they have evidence wolves are the primary cause of death among a shrinking population of cow elk in northern Idaho.

The agency estimates cow elk in a remote area designated as the Lolo Hunting Zone have dwindled by as much as 13 percent each year. Idaho Fish and Game has previously requested permission for federal trappers to kill wolves this region.

The agency now says it would rather see the wolves delisted as an endangered species and let hunters take care of the predators blamed for the thinning elk population.

State wildlife biologist George Pauley says nearly 90 percent of the elk in the Lolo Hunting Zone need to survive each year to maintain a healthy population. The state estimates about 75 percent of the elk survive each year.