WOLVES HAVE BEEN DELISTED IN THE NORTHERN
ROCKIES RECOVERY AREA
of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho.
Each state has adopted a management plan which has
been approved by USFWS. The delisting became effective in
March 2008. Several environmental groups have sued to overturn
the delisting. Announcing the delisting, Deputy Secretary of
Interior Lynn said, "The wolf population in the Northern
Rockies has far exceeded its recovery goal and continues to expand
its size and range." Wolves were delisted in the
Great Lakes Recovery area in 2007. They continue to be listed
as endangered in the southwestern states of New Mexico and Arizona
The Northern Rockies recovery plan, written by USFWS,
called for 300 wolves and 30 breeding pairs. We now have over
1500 wolves and over 100 breeding pairs yet the environmentalists suing
against de-listing claim that is not enough. One of the
litigants claims we need 2000 to 5000 wolves in the Northern Rockies
before removing wolves from endangered species list. MFMU
suspects that there will never be enough wolves to satisfy these
groups.
WOLF RECOVERY TIMELINE
1884
Montana implements bounty on wolves
1934
Wolves believed extirpated in Montana
1934 - 1985
Wolves occasionally sighted in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho.
1974
Wolves placed on Endangered Species List.
1986
The MAGIC PACK established in Glacier NP through natural immigration
from Canada
1987
The CAMAS PACK naturally established in North Fork of Flathead River in NW Montana
1993
Estimated 45 wolves in 5 packs in NW Montana
1995
15 Canadian wolves relocated to Yellowstone NP
1996
17 more Canadian wolves and 10 wolf pups from NW Montana relocated to Yellowstone NP. 20 wolves relocated to Central Idaho
2000
USFWS determines their are 30 breeding pairs in tri-state area of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. First year of 3 year
countdown to meet recovery goals
2001
Estimated 550 wolves including 35 breeding pairs in 51 packs in tri-state area. 2001 is second year of countdown
2002
Estimated 663 wolves including 43 breeding pairs in tri-state area. Third year of 3 year countdown. USFWS announces
wolves are recovered in tri-state area.
2003
Estimated 761 wolves including 51 breeding pairs in tri-state area. Wolves downlisted from endangered to threatened in the
tri-state area.
2004
Estimated 835 wolves including 66 breeding pairs in tri-state area. 153 wolves and 15 breeding pairs in Montana.
2007
Estimated 1513 wolves including 107 breeding pairs in tri-state area
2008
Wolves de-listed in tri-state area. Montana, Wyoming and Idaho
have sole responsibility for wolf management under USFWS approved
management plans. These states looking at possible wolf
hunting season.
http://fwp.mt.gov/wildthings/wolf/chronology.html
