by KXLF
Officials with Fish, Wildlife and Parks say this is the first year since 2009 that they have not seen a significant increase in the wolf population.
FWP has made several changes to keep those numbers down, according Nathan Lance, wolf management specialist with Fish, Wildlife and Parks. This coming rifle harvest has been extended. Rifle harvest will open September 15 and end March 15. Hunters will be able to bag five wolves this season instead of three.
Increases in wolf population have mostly occurred in Western Montana, according to Lance. In the Butte-Silver Bow area the population has been stable.
Officials with FWP say wolves target elk as their biggest prey. In this area the elk population is healthy.
A wolf trap training course is scheduled for August 10 at the Butte War Bonnet Hotel.
Contact FWP at 494-1953 for more information.