By Sophia Miraglio/Carol Zinke
LEWISTON, ID – In an effort to increase the elk population, more than 15 wolves were killed in northern Idaho.
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game said 19 wolves were killed in the Lolo hunting zone. Elk numbers have continuously dropped over the year. The population could be as low as 1,000 now. It isn’t all due to the wolves, habitat is another factor flamed for the species decline.
Over in Washington the wolf population grew by more than 30% and four new packs were formed last year. According to a report from the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, field biologists documented at least 68 gray wolves through December. That’s up from the 52 wolves reported in 2013. The number of confirmed wolf packs increased to 16 with at least five successful breeding pairs.