Proposal to Remove Wolves From Endangered Species List

Proposal to Remove Wolves From Endangered Species List and Implement State Management Research Team 2 Kayla Clifford Chris Dexter Roger Maier Connie Young

Wolf Management is Critical in Idaho v The population of Wolves in Idaho is growing at an alarming rate v 24 times larger than it was 15 years ago v The elk population has declined significantly in many areas causing all time low levels v Wolves are responsible for many deaths of livestock animals throughout Idaho v In 2009, Idaho had it’s first hunting season for wolves showing that they can responsibly manage them

What We’ll Cover Today v History of the Reintroduction of Wolves to Idaho v Distribution of Wolves by Segment Area v Current Issues v Wolf Population v Budgeted Costs of Wolf Management Plan v Recommendation v Questions and answers

History of the Reintroduction of Wolves to Idaho v In 1995, after many years of research and debate, 15 wolves were released in Idaho. v The following year 20 more wolves were released into Idaho. v There were a total of 66 wolves released in Idaho and Yellowstone. v In 2009, the wolf population in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming was an estimated 1, 706. v Of the 1, 706, 151 are breeding pairs and there are 242 packs.

Distribution of Wolves by Segment Area

Current Issues v Current Wolf Population in Idaho is 835 wolves and has steadily increased since 1995. v The slight decline in wolves from 2008 to 2009 was a result of Idaho allowing wolves to be hunted in 2009. v A new study suggests the wolf population was large enough to support a healthy genetic mix since 1994. v In 2009, approximately 500 livestock animals were confirmed killed by wolves and another 125 were probable wolf kills.

Wolf Population Steadily Increasing Estimated Number of Wolves 900 856 800 835 764 673 700 600 518 500 418 400 362 300 261 289 196 200 156 114 100 14 42 71 0 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Current Issues - continued v In August 2010, wolves were returned to the Federal Endangered Species List. v On October 18, 2010, Governor Butch Otter sent a letter to the federal government stating that Idaho would no longer manage wolves as the federal governments designated agent. v In a study conducted by the IDFG from 2005 to 2009, there was a decline in the elk population in 5 of the 11 zones studied, there was also a high number of wolves in the 5 zones.

Federal Wolf Management Plan Annual Budget Cost $837, 325 $0 Depredation Compensation $100 000 (1) Project Coordinator $60 000 Wolf Control $100 000 (6) Technicians $116 000 $0 $0 Overhead on all IDFG $91 325 $0 Education/Materials Enhancement of $50 000 Ungulate $0 Wolf Management Monitoring $0 $0 $100 000 $20 000 Wolf Monitoring $200 000

Recommendation v. Wolves should be delisted from the Endangered Species List. v. Idaho should be given the right to manage wolves within the State. v. Idaho can manage wolves using a hunting season, similar to other big game in the State.

Questions and Answers