Gray wolf population declining in Yellowstone Park…

A goodarticle in USA Today that talks about the overall decline of wolves in Yellowstone Park pointing to a few different reasons for this, including the Montana hunt and the decimation of the Cottonwood Pack.

Actions speak louder than words...

For all of the talk about sensible wolf management plans in the Northern Rockies, it is becoming more apparent that Idaho will not stop until its wolf population is well below acceptable numbers.  First Idaho extended the hunting season into denning season, targeting pregnant wolves and newborn pups, and then Fish and Game authorized the taking out of the Basin Butte pack using planes and helicopters. It is clear that Idaho is following through on its earlier stated goal of reducing its population to half of what it was before delisting, using any means necessary.  This year, Idaho has killed 235 wolves and there are still 102 wolves remaining in the hunting quota, as well as the unfortunate packs who have made it onto Fish and Game's hit list.  And people are noticing.  A recent Editorial in the New York Times likens the actions being taken in the Northern Rockies to a new front in the age old war against wolves.

Wildlife Service takes to the air...

Link to a radio broadcast that interviewed Wildlife Services after they used a helicopter to kill members of an Idaho pack as well as the concerns wolf conservationists have with this new tactic.