Thursday, October 24, 1996 The Wolf Restoration project
continues to gather steam. A total of 40 wolves are running free
in the greater Yellowstone area and 32 of these live almost
exclusively inside the park. Most of these wolves exist in eight
groups that should breed next February and whelp (give birth to
young) in April 1997. We think we may have 25 or so new pups
born then. Another 12 wolves are still in an acclimation pen and
will be released in March or April 1997. By this time next year
it is very likely that 75 or more wolves will live in
Yellowstone Park and the adjacent National Forests. We don't
want to jinx ourselves with too much optimism. But if the trends
of the past two years continue, we think we can complete the
restoration effort ahead of schedule and under budget. Of
course, as we all know, the future is always uncertain. Despite
the progress of the last two years much work remains to be done.
We must continue to monitor the wolves to make sure they survive
and thrive. With any luck the h