Wolf numbers up 8 percent in Montana in 2010

Wolf numbers grew by 8 percent in Montana during 2010, but stayed nearly level across the northern Rocky Mountains, according to the latest interagency wolf report. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service surveys found 1,651 wolves in 244 packs spread across Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and bits of Washington, Oregon and Utah. While that's down from the 2009 count of 1,733 wolves regionwide, the report said a drop in Idaho's minimum population estimate was the sole reason for the change. In Montana, Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks biologists reported 566 wolves in 108 packs. At least 35 of those packs had breeding pairs. Most were in northwestern Montana, where 326 wolves in 68 packs included 21 breeding pairs. The report noted that the same area had the least contact between wolves and domestic livestock - and, therefore, the least conflict between wolves and people...more