Wisconsin wolf population continues to increase
PARK FALLS, Wis. The population of gray wolves in Wisconsin has increased to between 540 and 600 animals, according to a preliminary estimate compiled by the states wolf population monitoring team. The estimate is based on aerial surveys tracking packs with radio-collared wolves, on snow track surveys by Department of Natural Resources trackers and volunteers, and through wolf observations by the general public.
This estimate is for the number of wolves living in Wisconsin in late winter, and does not include any wolf pups that will be born this spring. The wolf count wont be official for several weeks after careful study of all the reports.
Biologists estimated the wolf population was between 465 and 502 animals over the 2005-2006 winter.
The preliminary numbers put the wolf population at from 539 to 590 outside Native American reservations with an additional nine wolves living on reservations. The Department of Natural Resources consults with Native American biologists in managing wolves on Native American lands.
This is the first wolf population estimate taken since the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service removed wolves in Wisconsin from the federal endangered species list. Wolves are now managed by the Department of Natural Resources as a protected species.
The State of Wisconsin and the U. S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services now can use lethal control where chronic wolf depredation occurs. They can also now utilize proactive controls to reduce wolf populations in areas where wolves may become a chronic problem.
In addition, a landowner now can kill a wolf that is in the act of attacking domestic livestock on the landowners property, and are required to call the local conservation warden within 24 hours.
Wolves were listed as a state endangered species in 1975, when wolves from Minnesota began to move back into Wisconsin, after having been absent from the state for 15 years. The wolf population increased steadily through the 1980s and 1990s and wolves were reclassified as a state threatened species in Wisconsin in 1999. In August 2004 they were removed from the state list of threatened and endangered wildlife and listed as protected wild animals.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Adrian Wydeven – (715) 762-1363