1st wolf victim in Teton found
GAZETTE WYOMING BUREAU
For the first time since gray wolves were reintroduced in 1995 and 1996, a
wolf has killed a domestic calf within Grand Teton National Park.
The calf was killed sometime Sunday on the Elk Ranch grazing allotment
near Moran Junction. A park worker discovered the body of the calf on
Monday morning.
Evidence at the scene indicated that predators had been feeding on the
carcass. The area is known to be habitat for wolves, coyotes, mountain
lions and bears.
Officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s wildlife services
determined that a wolf killed the calf.
Wolves from the Teton Pack have denned in the area known as Elk Ranch in
1999, 2001 and 2002 without any livestock-related incidents, according to
park officials. The pack had a double litter of pups this spring,
increasing the size of the pack to 23.
Park officials said it’s not clear whether the wolf involved in Sunday’s
kill was a member of the Teton Pack because other wolves often wander
through the northeastern corner of the park.
Park staff will continue to monitor the Elk Ranch area, but there are no
plans to remove or relocate wolves in the area.