By Adam Pinsker
Channel 2 News
ANCHORAGE, Alaska—
Wolves capture the imagination of thousands of tourists who visit Denali National Park each year. Viewing the packs is one of the main attractions.
But the Alaska Wildlife Alliance says there are only 54 wolves left in the park, that’s down from 143 in 2007, a 63% drop.
Researchers believe the Denali wolves are being hunted once they leave the park and venture onto land controlled by the state.
“We know that it caused the break-up of the most viewed pack in the park this summer, the Grant Creek pack,” said conservation biologist Rick Steiner. “The loss of the last breeding female in the pack caused them not to have pups.”
Steiner’s group is concerned the Board of Game removed a 150 mile protective buffer around the east side of the park back in 2010. He wants the buffer re-established and extended by 100 miles.
“By the stroke of her pen, (Fish & Game) Commissioner Campbell could fix this tonight,” adds Steiner. “What we’re very worried about is if it is not closed this winter, we could have a much more serious situation next year.”
It may not be that simple. Fish and game typically doesn’t reverse a Board of Game decision unless there is a good reason.
“There is not information to suggest that wolf populations either in the park or outside the park are in danger from a conservation standpoint,” said Deputy Director of Wildlife Conservation Dale Raeb.
National Park data does show a steady decline in wolves between 2007 and 2008 then again between 2010 and 2012.
But there are other variables at play, park biologists say they were not able to count all the “uncollared” packs this fall. Uncollared wolves are animals that aren’t monitored by GPS
and the wolves food supply has also declined.
“In years with less snow the Caribou don’t have difficulty getting around or finding available food so they might be harder for the wolves to catch,” said park biologist Bridget Borg.
The Division of Wildlife Conservation says the Board of Game’s next scheduled meeting in the Denali area isn’t until 2014, unless it decides to take up the buffer issue on an emergency basis.