BY GEORGE PRENTICE
Idaho wildlife officials say the number of wolves in the Gem State continues to drop, but their most recent count of breeding pairs of wolves in Idaho has actually gone up, and they say that’s a key measurement of the status of the state’s wolf population.
In a January 22 presentation to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission, biologist Jim Hayden said Idaho currently has about 1,000 wolves in about 107 wolf packs and there are approximately 20 breeding pairs. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requires Idaho to maintain a minimum of 15 wolf breeding pairs or they might consider re-listing the wolf on the endangered species list.
Additionally, Hayden said the there have been fewer depredations on Idaho livestock in the past year.