Annual Wolf Reports Released The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
is praising Idaho and Montana for successful management of gray
wolves. In its 2011 Annual Report for the Northern Rocky
Mountain Wolf Population, the Service now estimates the region's
wolf population at 1774 animals and 109 breeding pairs. U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service Mountain-Prairie Regional Director
Steve Guertin said, "these population estimates indicate the
credible and professional job Montana and Idaho have done in the
first year after they have assumed full management
responsibilities." He said the states' management plans will
maintain a healthy wolf population at or above the agency's
recovery goals. According to the report, the Rocky Mountain wolf
population is biologically recovered and has exceeded recovery
goals for ten consecutive years. In addition, the population
fully occupies nearly all suitable habitat. The Service delisted
wolves in the region (except Wyoming) on May 5, 2011. The Idaho
Fish and Game Department documented