Out & About

Wolves may be in family way

OUTFIELD – A game camera monitored by Washington state wildlife biologists recently caught an image of what appears to be a lactating female wolf in the middle of Pend Oreille County.

“We’ve made no announcements because we have not confirmed that it’s a wild wolf,” said Madonna Luers, Washington Fish and Wildlife Department spokeswoman. “There are a lot of wolf-dog hybrids out there.”

Hair samples have been taken from a bait site and testing is under way to determine if Washington has its second documented pack of breeding gray wolves.

Meantime, state biologists are monitoring a probable den location for a confirmed wolf pack in the Methow Valley. Nearly a year ago, those wolves became the state’s first documented pack to have pups since the species was extirpated about 70 years ago.

Wildlife studied at youth camp

OUTLEARN – A wild weekend of investigating ponds, banding birds, tracking animals, journaling and much more is planned July 16-17 at the Youth Wildlife Camp in Coeur d’Alene.

Youths ages 8-14 will be launched in groups with professional biologists and educators who pool their talents for the annual camp sponsored by the WREN Foundation.

Cost: $75 for two days, includes transportation and fees to wildlife refuge and/or wildlife rehab center.

Preregister: Kris Buchler, (208) 664-4739. E-mail wren01@verizon.net for an application.

Forest offices closed Tuesday

OUTTRAIN – Most Idaho Panhandle National Forests business offices will be closed Tuesday for employee training day. However, the supervisor’s office will remain open at 3815 Schreiber Way in Coeur d’Alene.

Gear up for NIChallenge

OUTDO – Another round of adventure racing is coming to the Panhandle with the fifth annual NIChallenge on June 27. The exact location won’t be announced until closer to race day.

This is a “sprint” adventure race incorporating 3-5 miles of paddling, 4-6 miles of trail running and 15-20 miles of mountain biking, special challenges and navigation trials.

The race typically takes four to six hours to complete.

Teams of two or four enter in co-ed, all-male or all-female divisions. Cost: $80 through June 22.

Preregister: www.active.com and enter the event title NICHALLENGE.

Info: (208) 769-7809, www.nic.edu/op