Rocky Mountain Wolf Recovery 1996 Annual Report

Rocky Mountain Wolf Recovery 1996 Annual Report A cooperative effort by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Nez Perce Tribe, the National Park Service, and USDA Wildlife Services Wolf #R10 This cooperative annual report presents information on the status, distribution and management of the recovery Rocky Mountain wolf population from January 1, 1996 through December 31, 1996. This report may be copied and distributed as needed. Suggested citation: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nez Perce Tribe, National Park Service, and USDA Wildlife Services. 1996. Rocky Mountain Wolf Recovery 1996 Annual Report. USFWS, Ecological Services, 100 N. Park, Suite 320, Helena, MT 1

Table of Contents Executive Summary 3 Introduction 4 Population Monitoring 5 Northwestern Montana and Canadian Border 6 Yellowstone National Park and Idaho 8 Yellowstone 8 Idaho 16 Research Montana 22 Yellowstone National Park 23 Idaho 24 Information and Education Montana 24 Idaho 24 Yellowstone 25 Wolf / Livestock Interactions Montana 25 Idaho 26 Summary 27 Maps Figure 1: Northwest Montana Wolf Pack Locations 29 Figure 2: Yellowstone National Park Wolf Pack Locations 30 Figure 3: Idaho Wolf Pack Locations 31 Figure 4: Northern Rockies Wolf Pack Locations 32 Tables Table 1: The Dynamics of Wolf Packs in Montana and Canada 5 Table 2: Description/Placement of 17 Wolves 9 Table 3: Dispersal Information in Yellowstone National Park 10 Table 4: Wolves Born in Greater Yellowstone Area 11 Table 5: Wolves That Died in Greater Yellowstone Area 11 Table 6: composition of Free Ranging and Captive Wolves 14 Table 7: Wolves That Were Placed in Capitivity in Yellowstone 15 Table 8: 1995 & 1996 Wolves Released in Idaho 17 Table 9: Central Idaho Wolf Pairs 20 Table 10: Prey Killed in Ninemile Valley 23 Table 11: Summary of Data from ADC Montana 28 Table 12: Summary of Data from ADC Idaho 26 2

Executive Summary 1. At the end of 1996 at least 9 wolf packs resided in northwestern Montana of which 8 produced pups. About 90-100 wolves lived in northwestern Montana at year s end. At least 3 additional packs have established in adjacent Canada, occasionally entering Montana. 2. Ongoing University of Montana research on wolves, mountain lions, coyotes and wolf/ungulate relationships in Glacier National Park (GNP) and several other areas in Montana continue to provide information about the impact of wolves in the State. Deer and Elk population declines were positively correlated with wolf numbers while the moose population remained stable possibly due to predator dilution effect. White-tailed deer made up the greatest proportion of wolf and cougar diets but elk and moose made up more of the wolves diet than the cougar s diet. 3. Animal Damage Control (ADC) received and investigated a total of 46 reports of wolf conflicts with livestock and dogs in Montana and Idaho in 1996. A total of 37 head of cattle, 48 sheep, 3 goats, 2 horses, and 1 dog were investigated or examined to decide if wolves were responsible for the deaths or injuries. Based on the investigations, 6 control actions were initiated: 1 in northwestern Montana, 2 in the Greater Yellowstone Area (GYA), and 3 in the Idaho recovery area. A total of 39 sheep and 8 head of cattle were killed or injured, and 20 wolves were controlled: 15 relocated, and 5 killed (1 accidentally). 4. In January, 1996, 37 wolves were captured in north-central British Columbia, Canada and reintroduced in Yellowstone National park and central Idaho. Seventeen wolves making up 4 packs were slow released in Yellowstone National Park (YNP) and 20 wolves were quick released in central Idaho. In the GYA, since the 1995 translocation, 23 pups have been produced, 11 wolves died, and 4 wolves controlled by ADC. In the Idaho recovery area, 5 to 7 pups have been produced, 3 wolves, died, and 3 wolves were controlled by ADC. 5. In the GYA, a total of 114 known wolf kills were detected and 28 more ungulates located that were probably killed by wolves. Of the 142 kills, 124 (87%) were elk, 13 were unidentifiable but probably elk, and the others included 2 moose, 1 antelope, 1 mule deer, and 1 white-tailed deer. 6. As of December 31, the GYA supported 40 free-ranging wolves and 12 wolves in captivity awaiting release in spring 1997. Thirty-four of the free ranging wolves were in 8 packs that should produce pups in 1997; 4 wolves were a family group and 2 wolves were loners. In Idaho the Nez Perce Tribe and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) are monitoring 27 free-ranging wolves, 8 packs or pairs that should produce pups in 1997, and 9 lone wolves. 7. Reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho has greatly increased the rate and complexity of wolf restoration efforts in the northern Rocky Mountains of the U.S. In the future it will be vital to view wolf restoration as a single effort composed of 3 complementary parts; the ongoing natural recovery of wolves in northwestern Montana and the reintroduced wolves of Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho. Delisting can occur only after all 3 areas have had 10 breeding pairs successfully raise young for 3 successive years. We estimate that in spring 1997, there may be as many as 14 breeding pairs in northwestern Montana, 8 breeding pairs each in Yellowstone and Idaho recovery areas. Delisting is estimated to occur in 2002.

Introduction The gray wolf (Canis lupus) became protected as an endangered species in 1974. The United States fish and Wildlife Service (Service), which is mandated by Congress to work toward recovery of endangered species, approved a revised recovery plan for the gray wolf in the northern Rocky Mountains in 1987. Wolf reproduction was documented in 1986 in northwestern Montana for the first time in at least 60 years. An Interagency Wolf Working Group, composed of various federal, state, and tribal representatives, was formed in 1988 to coordinate recovery activities. In 1994 an Environmental Impact Statement was completed for reintroduction of wolves into central Idaho and Yellowstone National Park (YNP). The first reintroduction was completed in 1995, and the second in 1996. No additional wolf reintroductions are anticipated in the future, as the wolves have survived and reproduced far better than anticipated. This report was prepared to update interested parties about ongoing wolf recovery in northwestern Montana, central Idaho and the greater Yellowstone area (GYA) during 1996. Information is presented on the status of the wolf population, ongoing research, wolf control activities, public outreach efforts and the reintroduction of wolves from Canada to central Idaho and Yellowstone National Park. Personnel The number of people involved with the Service s wolf recovery program has decreased from five to two since 1995 due to budget reductions and downsizing in the Federal government. Jim Till, wolf biologist in the Kalispell, Montana area, is now working at the Creston fish hatchery. Jim worked with the northwestern Montana recovery program and assisted with the 1995 capture operation in Canada. Carol Tenney, program secretary, took an early retirement but stayed through the 1996 reintroduction as a volunteer to make sure it was done right. Dr. Steven Fritts, Chief Scientist, is currently working for the Federal Aid program in Denver. Dr. Fritts was in charge of the 1995 and 1996 capture operation in Canada and was instrumental in preparing the Environmental Impact Statement and Wolves for Yellowstone. He added a real depth to the northwestern Montana program dealing with management related issues. These dedicated professional added much to the wolf recovery program and the program is diminished without their expertise. 4

Wolf Population Monitoring A three-phase monitoring system consisting of 1) detection by the public, 2) confirmation of wolf activity by agency biologists, and 3) capture, radio-collaring and monitoring of wolves has been used since 1998, but, wolf observation records have been kept since 1973. Wolf observation and reporting cards were first used in 1988 to collect information from the public about possible wolf sightings. We continue to encourage reports from persons who might encounter wolves or their sign. These reports help us determine the size and distribution of the wolf population in Montana, Wyoming, or Idaho. Reported sightings from new areas help us assess where searches need to be concentrated. The third and final phase of the wolf population monitoring program involves capturing, radio-collaring, and monitoring collared wolves to determine progress toward recovery goals. The Service, Animal Damage Control (ADC) and University of Montana (UM) research personnel captured and radio-collared wolves in 1996 from 9 Montana wolf packs and a pack that resides primarily in Canada (Figure 1). For specific information about packs in northwestern Montana and along the Canadian border, see Table 1. PACK ADULTS IN MARCH PUPS PRODUCED KNOW MORTALITY DISPERSED MISSING PACK SIZE YEAR END Belly River?? --- --- 7 Boulder 6? 3 --- 9 Murphy Lake 5 5 --- --- 10 Ninemile 5 4 --- --- 9 North Camas 5 0 --- --- 5 Pleasant Valley 2 1 --- --- 3 Sawtooth 4 14 4 10 4 South Camas 11 8 --- --- 13 Spruce Creek 6 4 --- --- 7 Thompson River 5 2 --- --- 7 Whitefish 5-9? --- --- 5-9 TOTAL 54-58 38 7 10 88-92 Table 1 The dynamics of wolf packs in Montana and adjacent Canada, 1996. Dispersal is a normal part of wolf behavior in which some wolves, mainly young adults, leave the pack. Biologists believe this is usually the result of social tension within the pack but the ultimate reason is to reproduce and pass on their genetic characteristics. When dispersing wolves meet with wolves of the opposite sex, new packs can be formed. Dispersing wolves are very good at finding other wolves. Some dispersing wolves may travel long distances and remain alone. Usually this means other wolves are not in the areas. By monitoring pack size we can speculate that wolves we cannot account for may have dispersed. Following radiocollared animals enable us to know not only where the wolf came from, but where it finally settles. Many reports we receive of wolves or wolf tracks probably represent dispersing animals. Side Note: Public interest about the location of wolf packs and dispersing wolves has increase, especially in the GYA. Many landowners have expressed frustration that the Service is not providing them with locations of radio collard wolves. The Service has always attempted to work as closely and cooperatively as possible with landowners. However, we do not have the time, resources, or personnel to provide everyone with locations of dispersing wolves. Wolves can disperse 400-500 miles and travel 10-20 miles a day. At times they will make forays into new areas and return to the pack only to disperse again. Trying to contact every landowner along a wolf s dispersal route would be impossible. In addition, inclement weather may prevent us from locating these animals for extended periods of time, allowing a dispersing wolf time to travel extensively without our knowledge. When a radio collared wolf disperses from a pack the major state and federal land management agencies are notified of its new location as much as possible. This allows the agencies to field questions and provide information to the local community. If a wolf stays on private land for an extended period or establishes a territory there the landowner is informed of that wolf s presence and telemetry locations are provided when available. The same procedure is used in northwestern Montana with the natural re-colonizing wolves. 5

As the wolf population increases in the 3 recovery areas there will be additional non-radio collared wolves dispersing into new areas. Without radio collards we will be unable to track those animals and must rely on sightings from the public as we do in northwestern Montana. Northwestern Montana and Canadian Border Population Status Belly River Although the Belly River Pack resides mainly in Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada, surrounding Alberta provincial forest and private ranch lands, the wolves occasionally enter the U.S. along the Belly river of Glacier National Park or further east on the Blackfeet Reservation. The radio-tagged female wolf from Glacier National Park dispersed to the Belly River area in January 1992 and founded the pack. The alpha female and several others members of the pack were legally killed in Canada in 1995. There are at least seven wolves in this pack including pups produced in spring 1996. Boulder Wolves were present east of Deerlodge in 1994 as indicated by a video taken of a pair of wolves by Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks personnel and tracks discovered by a local rancher. After a control action in 1995, three radio collared pups were released back on site. In November 1995, one collared pup was illegally killed. The case is still under investigation. In February, 1996 the radio collar from another pup was found in the Clark Fork River near Garrison Junction, MT. The case is also still under investigation. The radio collar on the third pup ceased transmitting and we assume the pup to have been illegally killed. In late February a non-radio collard pup was killed by a vehicle strike on Highway 12 approximately 2 miles east of Avon. Efforts to locate a den or rendezvous site have been hampered because of local landowners have denied the Service access to search for or capture wolves. Observations by hunters suggest that the pack consists of nine wolves. Murphy Lake The Murphy Lake pack ranges southeast of Eureka and south of the Murphy Lake / Dickey Lake area. The wolves have used the same den since 1991. In 1996 an additional den was used approximately one half mile from the traditional den site. Four pups were produced in 1996, and there are at least 5 adults in the pack. Radio locations in November and December suggest that the pack may have split. A radio-collared female and an uncollared wolf have spent the last 2-3 months in the very southern part of the pack territory. The remaining pack members remain in the northern portion of the territory. Ninemile The Ninemile pack has persisted in the Ninemile Valley northwest of Missoula since 1990 despite the increasing number of people living and recreating in the valley. Monitoring is conducted by the University of Montana as part of the research program (see research). Two young males were captured and fitted with radio collars in April, 1996. One radio collar has failed. The capture and handling of the wolves was observed by two representatives of Israel s Nature Reserves Authority. They will use the techniques to trap and radio collar wolves in the Golan Heights in Israel. The Ninemile pack consisted of eight adults and five pups in 1995. Several wolves apparently have dispersed, possibly to the Kelly Creek area in Idaho. Several non-radio collared wolves have been observed with a radio collard Idaho wolf in the Kelly Creek area. Three to four pups were produced in 1996, and 4-5 pack members are known adults. North Camas The North Camas pack resides along the North Fork of the Flathead River north of Polebridge. Before 1994 the pack denned consistently in Glacier National Park. After an encounter with the south Camas pack in late December, 1995, five wolves were observed, two of which were radio collared. Two adult males were killed by members of the South Camas pack when that group trespassed into the North Camas pack territory. Another dead wolf was found later, presumably killed by other wolves. The larger south camas pack displaced the North Camas pack. The North Camas pack has four adults that routinely travel from the Canadian border to Trail Creek and back and into GNP. An adult female was captured and fitted with a radio collar in the spring of 1996. No pups were produced in 1996. 6

Pleasant Valley In April, ADC Wolf Specialist Carter Niemeyer, investigated a report of a pair of wolves near livestock west of Kalispell. The report came from the same ranch occupied by the Marion pack in 1989. The Marion pack was removed in 1989 and 1990 because of it s depredations on livestock. Niemeyer discovered a pair of wolves on the ranch. After consultation with the Service he initiated trapping to capture and radio collar a wolf. On June 6, he captured a 72 pound gray, lactating female. The wolf was taken to a veterinary clinic for overnight observation and released back on site the following day. The release was attended by the same representatives from Israel s Nature Reserves Authority who were later involved with the capture of wolves in the Ninemile. Only one pup was produced in 1996. Although the pair was constantly near livestock, there were no confirmed depredations. Sawtooth The Sawtooth pack made up for the lack of pup production in 1995 by producing 14 pups in 1996. Apparently both the alpha female and her daughter produced pups. Although not the normal situation, production of two litters in the same pack is not unusual. Unfortunately, the nutritional demands placed on the adults by the pups may have contributed to their killing of livestock. (see Control). After the control actions, one radio collared pup and three non-collared siblings remained in the pack. All the pups were doing well at years end. The other ten pups were placed in an acclimation pen in Yellowstone National Park with two juvenile wolves from the reintroduction. Release is schedule for April, 1997. South Camas The pack produced eight pups in 1996. In 1995, there were ten adults and six pups. The pack has taken over the North Camas pack s territory and now travel as far north as Kintla Lake. Three adult female wolves from this pack were captured and fitted with radio collars. Spruce Creek The pack produced four pups in 1996 and there were ten adults and six pups from 1995. The pack s territory has shifted to the north to include the upper headwaters of the North fork of the flathead river possibly the result of the increase in the South Camas pack s territory and conflict with the North Camas pack. Thompson River Adult female wolf #1718 from the Murphy Lake Pack dispersed to the Thompson River area in late 1993 and paired with a male wolf of unknown origin. We monitored the pre-dispersal, dispersal and finally dinning behavior of wolf #1718 in the new area. Five pups were produced this spring and there are four adults. In November, wolf #1718 traveled to Browns Meadow, approximately 7 miles outside Kalispell, Montana and was seen with 2-3 other wolves. This location is approximately 40 airline miles from her territory. Simultaneously a volunteer tracked a pair of wolves in the Thompson river territory. This suggests that wolf #1718 was displaced from the territory. Whitefish Wolf sighting reports during the spring and summer showed a concentration of wolf activity along the south end of the Whitefish Divide just north of Columbia Falls. The University of Montana was contracted to find the wolves and to place a radio collar on a pack member. In September, a two year-old, 90 pound black male was captured and fitted with a radio collar. Radio locations suggest that the pack occupies a territory just north and east of Whitefish Lake just outside the town of Whitefish, Montana. At least five wolves have been observed from the air. Ground observations suggest that there are possibly 9-10 wolves in that pack. Additional wolves will be radio collared this spring to provide more information about the pack dynamics. Wigwam A radio collared female dispersed from the Spruce Creek pack to the Wigwam area and found a mate. The pair appears to be using the old Wigwam territory and have been observed on several occasions near the old den site but no pups have observed. The old Wigwam pack was thought to have been poisoned except for a male pup that was ear tagged in 1998 and captured again 1993 west of Augusta, Montana. He was the alpha male for the newly-formed Sawtooth pack. 7

Yellowstone and Idaho Wolf Reintroduction On November 22, 1994, the Service approved a plan to establish nonessential experimental populations of wolves in Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho. Rules published in the Federal Register designated wolves in each area as nonessential experimental populations under Section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act (Act). This provision of the Act allows federal and state resource agencies and private citizens greater flexibility in managing reintroduced animals. In 1994, Service personnel worked with Alberta Fish and Game officials and local trappers to investigate possible donor wolf populations in west-central Alberta. By January 1, 1995, 17 wolves from 13 packs had been captured and radio-collared. Approval to capture and transport Canadian wolves to Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho was received in early January 1995. By January 21, 29 wolves had been reintroduced, 15 in central Idaho and 14 in Yellowstone National Park. In early January 1996, a multi-agency team transported capture equipment and supplies to Fort St. Johns, British Columbia, Canada. A cooperative agreement had been developed between the Service and the British Columbia Environment, Wildlife Branch, to allow removal of wolves for reintroduction into the United States. As part of the agreement, four additional wolf packs were marked with radio collared animals to help the B.C. Environment biologists in determining possible affects caused by removing wolves from the population and to ensure long term monitoring of the population. Shortly after leaving, the B.C. Environment biologist marked two additional packs making a total of 12 marked wolf packs located in the capture area. Wolves were captured by aerial darting starting on January 16. By January 26, 1996, 17 wolves making up four packs had been transported to acclimation pens in Yellowstone National Park and 20 wolves were released in central Idaho. A total of 53 wolves were handled during the 10-day period despite the daily near record cold temperatures of 45 C. An adult male wolf, Y 31, being held in Missoula before being transported to Idaho, bit and broke the thumb of a biologist while he attempted to place a block of ice into the transport box as a source of water. Protocol according to the 1994 rabies compendium, called for euthanizing the animal and sending the brain to a laboratory. The wolf was euthanized and the carcass sent to the Public Health Laboratory, Dept. of Agriculture, in Idaho. Results indicated that the wolf was not rabid. In 1995 reintroduction cost was $735,000 and the 1996 reintroduction cost was $270,000 with an additional $80,000 contributed by the Wolf Education and Research Center, Defenders of Wildlife, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Most of the volunteers working on the operation, including a veterinarian, came from WERC. Without the assistance of the private organizations we would not have been able to undertake the 1996 reintroduction. There were also several individuals that not only donated their assistance by paid their own travel expenses. Many thanks to those individuals and the biologists, veterinarians, pilots and agency personnel for their help. The 1996 reintroduction was only successful because of the many donations of money and time. Yellowstone National Park The first shipment of eleven wolves from Canada arrived in Yellowstone on January 23, 1996 (Table 2). The second shipment included six wolves and arrived on January 27. These 17 animals came from six different packs in Canada and included twelve gray and five black wolves. Ten were females and seven were males; eight were adults and nine were pups. Weights ranged from 80-130 pounds. Yellowstone packs were named according to the acclimation pen where they were places except in two instances where that name had been applied to packs reintroduced in 1995 (i.e., rose Creek and Crystal Creek). In these two instance the wolf packs were named according to a geographic feature situated near their acclimation pen (i.e.; Druid Peak and the Chief Joseph Trail). 8

Crystal Creek Acclimation Pen (Assigned Name: Chief Joseph Pack) Wolf Age Color Weight Original Probable Bred in Arrival Release # Days to Exit (lbs.) Pack Status Pen Date Date Pen * 031 M pup gray 82 Kravac subordinate no 01/23/96 04/11/96 2 032 F adult gray 90 Kravac uncertain no 01/23/96 04/11/96 2 033 F pup black 96 Kravac subordinate no 01/23/96 04/11/96 2 034 M adult gray 106 unknown uncertain no 01/23/96 04/11/96 2 Rose Creek Acclimation Pen (Assigned Name: Druid Peak Pack) Wolf Age Color Weight Original Probable Bred in Arrival Release # Days to Exit (lbs.) Pack Status Pen Date Date Pen ** 038 M adult gray 115 Prophet uncertain no 01/27/96 04/14/96 12 039 F adult gray 93 Besa alpha no 01/27/96 04/14/96 12 040 F pup gray 94 Besa subordinate no 01/27/96 04/14/96 12 041 F pup gray 80 Besa subordinate no 01/27/96 04/14/96 12 042 F pup gray 92 Besa subordinate no 01/27/96 04/14/96 12 Blacktail Plateau Acclimation Pen (Assigned Name: Lone Star Pack) Wolf Age Color Weight Original Probable Bred in Arrival Release # Days to Exit (lbs.) Pack Status Pen Date Date Pen * 035 M adult black 120 Chief unknown yes 01/23/96 04/05/96 0 036 F adult black 103 Besa unknown yes 01/23/96 04/05/96 0 Nez Perce Acclimation Pen (Assigned Name: Nez Perce Pack) Wolf Age Color Weight Original Probable Bred in Arrival Release # Days to Exit (lbs.) Pack Status Pen Date Date Pen * 026 F pup gray? Half-way subordinate no 01/23/96 04/02/96 0 027 F adult gray 115 Half-way alpha yes 01/23/96 04/02/96 0 028 M adult gray 130 Half-way alpha yes 01/23/96 04/02/96 2 029 M pup gray 100 Half-way subordinate no 01/23/96 04/02/96 2 *** 030 F pup gray 100 Half-way subordinate no 01/23/96 04/02/96 0 037 F pup gray 90 Half-way subordinate no 01/27/96 04/02/96 0 * - members of the chief Joseph and Lone Star packs were not released from their acclimation pen. They were chemically immobilized, transports to a purposefully incomplete temporary enclosure and allows to recover in the absence of people and exit the pen at their discretion. ** - On the third day after release we enlarged the exit hole to facilitate this pack s departure. On the eighth day after release we created a second exit hole. The wolves finally departed four days later. *** - This wolf was prompted to depart the pen by people who were present to create another exit. Table 2 Description and placement of 17 wolves transplanted from British Columbia, Canada to Yellowstone National Park during January 1996. Side Note: In 1996, four separate groups of wolves involving 16 individuals, were captured and transport back into YNP or central Idaho. Two of the groups were involved in livestock depredations. The Service believed it was in the best interest of the wolves and the wolf recovery program to remove those animals. Several groups and individuals have voiced concerns that we are setting precedence by removing the wolves under the perception of pressure by the livestock industry and local landowners. This is hardly the case. We believe that the reintroduced wolves are extremely valuable, biologically and monetarily, and their removal from specific areas is designed to enhance recovery. This type of intensive management will be continued until the wolf population begins to stabilize and exhibit a consistent growth rate, which should be within two years. After that time, only problem wolves will be managed. Wolves that become established in areas deemed undesirable by some landowners will be left alone unless they become problem wolves. This is the same management practice used in northwestern Montana with natural re-colonizing wolves and the only strategy that is cost-effective over the long term. Acclimation Because of success experienced during 1995, in 1996 wolves were placed in captivity for about ten weeks to reduce the potential for them to wander widely after release. The Crystal Creek and Rose Creek pens were reused in 1996. Two new pens were constructed on Blacktail Plateau and along Nez Perce Creek. These new pens were in remote areas that support large numbers of elk during late winter. Human contact was minimized to reduce the stress the wolves experienced. Pens were only visited on feeding days normally every Tuesday and Thursday. They were provided food (road-killed elk, bison, and deer) at a rat of about 15 lbs. (24 kg) per wolf per day. 9

As with the 1995 wolves, the 1996 transplants initially manifested great anxiety over being held captive. When biologists approached the pen the wolves would become obviously agitated, and run frantically around the pen. Sometimes they would jump against and chew a the chain-link fence. Fortunately, after about 2-3 weeks, their anxiety dissipated. By early to mid-april certain factors dictated an end to acclimation. For example, by this time of the year grizzly bear activity had increased as the animals emerged from den. Of course, bear activity near the acclimation pens was a safety concern for personnel responsible for tending the wolves. By mid-april biologists were concerned about pregnant females having adequate time to locate suitable den sites. To promote successful reproduction and maturation of pups, the wolves need to be released. This would allow the pregnant females 2-3 weeks to adjust to a free-ranging lifestyle and locate suitable den sites before whelping. Releases As during 1995, the 1996 releases were conducted in a way that minimized the stress and stimulation the wolves experienced at the time they exited the pen. It is our belief that such soft releases improve the chance that wolves exhibit restricted movement immediately after exiting the pens. Releases began on April 2 and concluded on April 14 (Table 2). Like the wolves released during 1995, the 1996 animals required varying periods of time to exit the pen. The Nez Perce and Druid Peak packs were released directly from their acclimation pens. Because of concerns that established wolves would kill or displace recently released wolves, the Chief Joseph and Lone Star packs were not released from their pens. They were chemically immobilized and transported to purposefully incomplete enclosures (i.e.; The Nez Perce pen with one panel missing and a small partial pen we constructed along Lone Star Road). They were allowed to recover from the drugs without people in the area and exit at their discretion. Population Status and Movements 1995 Wolves Three wolf packs from 1995 were present in 1996: Crystal Creek, Rose Creek, and Soda Butte. One new pack, Leopold, formed on the Blacktail Deer Plateau in late January 1996. Packs Leopold - This pack was formed when #7F originally from the Rose Creek pack, paired with #2M who had recently dispersed from the Crystal Creek pack (Table 3). The new pair was named the Leopold pack to honor Aldo Leopold who recommended reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone in 1946. This pack established a territory encompassing 41 mi 2 (106 km 2 ) of Blacktail Plateau (Figure 2). They produced three pups who survived though the end of the year (Tables 4 and 5). WOLF & SEX AGE ORIGINAL PACK LAST DATE WITH PACK FIRST DATE LOCATED ALONE DIRECTION TRAVELED DISTANCE TRAVELED 002 M yearling Crystal 01/25/96 01/25/96 west 18 paired w * 011 F adult Soda Butte 02/10/96 03/30/96 south 100 dead 018 F or yearling Rose Creek 12/01/96 not collared?? unknown 023 M 049?* pup Nez Perce 07/26/96 12/12/96 northwest 40 unknown 050?* pup Nez Perce 07/26/96 12/12/96 northwest 40 unknown *- dispersal by #49? and #50? is based on two facts: 1) we observed their mother with only one pup (i.e. #48?) on August 6 and December 18, and 2) on December 12, we observed adult #39 F with two gray canids that were larger than coyotes but smaller than an adult wolf. Table 3 Information about dispersal by gray wolves in the Greater Yellowstone Area during 1996. FATE 10

WOLF & SEX ESTIMATED DATE OF BIRTH PACK PARENTS M X F STATUS 043 M April 25, 1996 Soda Butte 013 x 014 with pack 044 M April 25, 1996 Soda Butte 013 x 014 with pack 045 F April 25, 1996 Soda Butte 013 x 014 dead 046 M April 25, 1996 Nez Perce 028 x 027 captivity 047 M April 25, 1996 Nez Perce 028 x 027 dead 048? April 25, 1996 Nez Perce 028 x 027 with pack 049? April 25, 1996 Nez Perce 028 x 027 with pack 050? April 25, 1996 Nez Perce 028 x 027 with pack 051? April 20, 1996 Rose Creek 008 x 009 with pack 052? April 20, 1996 Rose Creek 008 x 009 with pack 053? April 20, 1996 Rose Creek 008 x 009 with pack 054? April 20, 1996 Leopold 002 x 007 with pack 055? April 20, 1996 Leopold 002 x 007 with pack 056? April 20, 1996 Leopold 002 x 007 with pack Table 4 Wolves born in the Greater Yellowstone Area during 1996. WOLF ORGIN DATE OF BIRTH DATE OF # DAYS CAUSE OF LOCATION OF DEATH OR RELEASE DEATH SURVIVING DEATH 003 M released 03/31/95 02/05/96 312 Dry Creek, TM shot 012 M released 03/29/95 02/11/96 320 Merna Jct., WY unknown 011 F released 03/29/95 03/30/96 369 Meeteetse, WY shot 036 F released 04/05/96 04/14/96 10 Lone Star Geyser, YNP thermal burn 004 M released 03/31/95 05/21/96 418 Soda Butte Creek, YNP intraspecific strife 020 M naturally 04/26/95 06/21/96 423 Buffalo Creek, YNP intraspecific strife occurring 032 F released 04/13/96 06/25/96 74 W. Yellowstone, MT vehicle 045 F naturally 04/25/96 09/03/96 132 Trail Creek pen unknown occurring 047 M naturally occurring 04/25/96 09/21/96 5* Firehole River, YNP vehicle Table 5 Information about gray wolves that died in the Greater Yellowstone Area during 1996. Mortalities are listed in chronological order relative to date of death. Crystal Creek- After #2M dispersed from the Crystal Creek pack, the remaining three wolves (#4M, #5F, and #6M) continued to use the territory that included Lamar Valley, Mirror Plateau, and Pelican Valley (Figure 2). In April, they denned near Soda Butte Creek. On May 7, the Druid Peak pack and the Crystal Creek pack had an encounter that resulted in the death of Crystal s alpha male, wolf #4 (Table 5). After the encounter, the remaining Crystal wolves remained together but did not frequent Lamar Valley. They restricted movement to 265 mi 2 (687 km 2 ) of the upper Lamar River, Mirror Plateau, and Pelican Valley (Figure 2) and did not return to the den site. The encounter with the Druid Peak resulted in the loss of Crystal s 1996 litter. Rose Creek Nine wolves made up the rose Creek pack at the beginning of 1996, the alpha pair; #8 M and #9F, and her seven pups from 1995. In late April 1996, #9 gave birth to three more pups (Table 4). On June 14, an encounter with the Druid Peak pack resulted in the death of yearling #20M (Table 5). The 11 remaining wolves used an area that centered on their den near Slough Creek and a rendezvous site on the buffalo Plateau (Figure 2). Their territory measured 114 mi 2 (295 km 2 ) and extended west from the west end of Lamar Valley along the Yellowstone River to Cottonwood Creek. On November 5, an un-collared black wolf from the Rose Creek pack, either #18F or #23M, was located with the Leopold pack. By early December, on e of these animals had dispersed from Rose Creek (Table 3). After 1996, the Rose Creek pack included 10 wolves: two adults, five yearlings, and three pups (Table 6). Soda Butte There were five wolves in the Soda Butte pack at the beginning of 1996. Wolf #11, an adult female, dispersed in February (Table 5). During March she was misidentified as a coyote and shot near 11

Meeteese, Wyoming (Table 6). The other four wolves spend the winter along the northern from of the Beartooth Mountains about 35 miles (56 km) north of the Park. In April, #14F established a den on private property and whelped three pups (Table 4). The presence of her den on private property and near active livestock operations caused concern among local residents. To ensure the survival of the pack, the Service decided to capture them and have them re-released in the southern portion of YNP. During early June all the wolves, except #15M who eluded capture, were placed in the Crystal Creek pen (Table 7). During august they were moved to the Trail Creek pen near the southeast arm of Yellowstone Lake. While in captivity, one of the pups (#45F) died of unknown causes (Table 5). On October 7, the remaining five wolves were released. Since then they have restricted movements to an 80 mi 2 (208 km 2 ) area near Heart Lake (Figure 2). As mentioned above, wolf #15M eluded capture and ranged along the front of the Beartooth Mountains for about three weeks before beginning to associate with #27F. During an effort to capture #27F and her pups, #15M was captured and placed in the Nez Perce pen until being re-released in August (Table 7). He immediately began traveling with #26F who had been released from the Nez Perce pen during April 1996. They remained together and traveled widely through the end of 1996. They will be known as the Recently Formed pack (Table 6) until they settle in a territory and give birth to pups. They will then be assigned an official name, probably based on a prominent geographic feature in their territory. 1996 Wolves Two of four packs reintroduced from Canada in 1996 exhibited post-release movements similar to those exhibited by wolves released in 1995. The Druid Peak pack and the chief Joseph pack exhibited restricted movements immediately following release and wandered widely in an exploratory fashion before establishing a territory. Packs Druid Peak The Druid Peak pack (Table 2) established a territory in a 312 mi2 (809 km2) area of the Lamar Valley and neighboring drainage, including their acclimation pen (Figure 2). The adult female from this pack, #39, traveled with the pack until late May when she began wide-ranging forays. In mid-august, she left the pack and began traveling as a loner. She wandered widely and eventually explored areas about 100 miles (160 km) north of YNP. During a telemetry flight on December 12, she was observed with two canids. These animals were gray and larger than coyotes but smaller than #39F. They may have been two of the pups born to #27F, although their identification has not been verified. Wolf #39 was considered a lone wolf (Table 6). While #39F was ranging widely, the adult male from Druid, wolf #38M, began showing great interest in a yearling female, wolf #40. By the end of the year it appeared as though #40F had become the alpha female. During fall 1996 a yearling make from the Chief Joseph pack, wolf #31, joined the Druid Peak pack. By the end of December the Druid Peak pack included five wolves (Table 6). Lone Star The Lone Star pack (Table 2) was acclimated in the Blacktail Plateau pen and release along Lone Star road near Old Faithful. The pair moved 2 miles (3.2 km) before restricting movements for nine days. On April 14 th, #36F was found dead (Table 5). On April 15 her mate, #35M, began traveling widely until pairing with #30F in early September in the Thorofare area in southeastern Yellowstone. They remained here through the end of the year (Figure 2). They will be known as the No Name Pack (Table 6) until they establish a territory and produce pups. They will then be assigned an official name. Nez Perce The for the 1996 pack, the Nez Perce pack (Table 2), exited the pen in two groups and traveled widely. Immediately after the release hole was made, a female pup departed followed by two of her sisters and the alpha female, wolf #27. This foursome (#26F, #27F, #30F, and #37F) traveled northeast for four days at an average rat of 33 miles/day (53 km/day). Movements became restricted on the fifth day in an area south of Red Lodge, Montana. On April 10 th, #27F separated from the pups and traveled widely until April 22 when she 12

established a den and gave birth to five pups near Nye, Montana (Table 6). By mid-summer #27F had depredated on sheep and became the focus of a control action that resulted in the capture and removal of pup #46M on July 9. #27F and four pups were observed together on July 26. On August 6, pup #47M was captured and removed (Table 7). Wolf #27F and the remaining pup eluded capture through the end of 1996. On December 18 (and then during early 1997) #27F was seen with only one pup (#48?). It s assumed that her other two pups (#49? And #50?) dispersed and their fates were unknown after 1996 (Table 3). After #27F began traveling alone, the three young, recently released females traveled throughout the GYA in a manner reminiscent of lone wolves searching for mates. Females #26 and #40 did find mates, males #15 and #35, respectively, who they traveled with through the end of 1996 (Table 6). The third wolf, #37F, did not find a mate but did encounter her brother, wolf #29M. Unfortunately, by mid-summer they had become a nuisance to ranchers north of the park and had to be returned to captivity (Table 7). The alpha male (wolf #28) and the male pup (wolf #29) from the Nez Perce pack exited the pen three days after the females. Their movements were not as wide-ranging but they did average 26 miles/day (42 km/day) for three days. They traveled together for about two weeks before parting ways. Wolf #29M eventually began traveling with his sister and was returned to captivity (Table 7). Wolf #28M traveled widely throughout the northwestern portion of the GYA through the end of 1996 (Table6). 13

Free Ranging Population Crystal Creek Pack Wolf & Age Color Status Sex 005 F adult gray alpha? 006 M 2 year old black alpha? Rose Creek Pack Wolf & Age Color Status Sex 008 M 2 year old gray alpha 009 F adult black alpha 016 F yearling black subordinate 017 F yearling gray subordinate 018 F or yearling black subordinate 023M 019 F yearling black subordinate 021 M yearling black subordinate 051? pup gray subordinate 052? pup black subordinate 053? pup black subordinate Soda Butte Pack Wolf & Age Color Status Sex 013 M adult gray alpha 014 F adult gray alpha 024 F yearling black subordinate 043 M pup gray subordinate 044 F pup black subordinate Leopold Pack Wolf & Age Color Status Sex 002 M 2 year old black alpha 007 F 2 year old gray alpha 054? pup gray subordinate 055? pup gray subordinate 056? pup black subordinate Druid Peak Pack Wolf & Age Color Status Sex 031 M yearling gray subordinate 038 M adult gray alpha 040 F yearling gray alpha? 041 F yearling black subordinate 042 F yearling black subordinate Chief Joseph Pack Wolf & Age Color Status Sex 033 F yearling black alpha? 034 M adult gray alpha? No Name Pack Wolf & Age Color Status Sex 030 F yearling gray alpha? 035 M adult black alpha? Recently Formed Pack Wolf & Age Color Status Sex 015 M 2 year old black alpha? 026 F yearling gray alpha? Nez Perce Pack Wolf & Age Color Status Sex 027 F adult gray alpha 048? pup gray subordinate Lone Wolves Wolf & Age Color Status Sex 028 M adult gray loner 039 F adult gray loner Uncollared Free-Ranging Wolves with Unknown Fate(s) Wolf & Age Color Status Sex 018 F or yearling black unknown 023M 049? pup gray unknown 050? pup gray unknown Captive Wolves Rose Creek Pen Wolf & Age Color Sex 029 M yearling gray 037 F adult black 063 F pup gray 064 F pup gray 065 F pup gray 066 M pup black 067 F pup black 068 F pup gray 069 M pup gray 070 M pup gray 071 F pup black 072 M pup gray Nez Perce Pen Wolf & Age Color Sex B07 M yearling gray B011 F pup black Table 6 Composition of the free-ranging and captive gray wolf populations in the Greater Yellowstone Area as of December 31, 1996

Pup Production Fourteen pups were born to four packs during 1996 (Table 4). Possibly a fifth litter, produced by the Crystal Creek pack, perished after an encounter with the Druid Peak pack. The pack killed the Crystal s alpha male and possibly caused the abandonment of the den. Also, a sixth litter of six pups would have been born if #36F had not died before parturition (Table 5). Two of #27F s pups were removed from the wild during a control action that was initiated after she began killing sheep (Table 7). Because of injuries sustained during capture, pup #46M was permanently placed in captivity at the Wildlife Science Center in Forrest Lake, MN. The other pup (wolf #47M) died shortly after release (Table 5). It is presumed that #27F s remaining three pups survived through the end of 1996 (Table 6). The three pups born to #14F were placed in captivity with three adults from the Soda Butte pack during may 1996. Unfortunately, pup #45F died of unknown causes before being released (Table 5). Mortalities Nine wolves died during 1996 (Table 5). Gunshot wounds, collisions with vehicles, and intraspecific strife are common sources of mortality. Seven of the wolves that died persisted in the wild for considerable period of time after release. Two other animals died within 10 days of release; their lake of knowledge of the area may have contributed to their deaths. WOLF PACK DATE PLACED IN CAPTIVITY REASON FOR PLACEMENT CAPTURE TECHNIQUE CONFINEMENT PEN DATE RELEASED RELEASE SITE COMMENTS 013 M Soda Butte 06/05/96 ensure survival aerial darting Crystal & Trail 10/07/96 Trail doing well Creek Creek 024 F Soda Butte 06/05/96 ensure survival aerial darting Crystal & Trail 10/07/96 Trail doing well Creek Creek 043 M Soda Butte 06/05/96 ensure survival removed Crystal & Trail 10/07/96 Trail doing well from den Creek Creek 044 F Soda Butte 06/05/96 ensure survival removed Crystal & Trail 10/07/96 Trail doing well from den Creek Creek 045 F Soda Butte 06/05/96 ensure survival removed Crystal & Trail n/a n/a died in captivity from den Creek 014 F Soda Butte 06/05/96 ensure survival leghold trap Crystal & Trail 10/07/96 Trail doing well Creek Creek 029 M Nez Perce 06/17/96 ensure survival aerial darting Rose Creek n/a n/a not released as of 12/31/96 037 F Nez Perce 06/17/96 ensure survival aerial darting Rose Creek n/a n/a not released as of 12/31/96 015 M Soda Butte 07/08/96 ensure survival leghold trap Nez Perce 09/17/96 Nez Perce doing well 046 M Nez Perce 07/09/96 livestock depredations leghold trap Glen & Crystal Creeks n/a n/a permanently placed in captivity 047 M Nez Perce 08/06/96 livestock depredations leghold trap Nez Perce 09/17/96 Nez Perce died soon after released 063 F Sawtooth 08/29/96 livestock depredations aerial darting Rose Creek n/a n/a not released as of 12/31/96 064 F Sawtooth 08/29/96 livestock depredations aerial darting Rose Creek n/a n/a not released as of 12/31/96 065 F Sawtooth 08/29/96 livestock depredations aerial darting Rose Creek n/a n/a not released as of 12/31/96 066 M Sawtooth 08/29/96 livestock depredations aerial darting Rose Creek n/a n/a not released as of 12/31/96 067 F Sawtooth 09/08/96 livestock depredations aerial darting Rose Creek n/a n/a not released as of 12/31/96 068 F Sawtooth 09/08/96 livestock depredations aerial darting Rose Creek n/a n/a not released as of 12/31/96 069 M Sawtooth 09/08/96 livestock depredations aerial darting Rose Creek n/a n/a not released as of 12/31/96 070 M Sawtooth 09/08/96 livestock depredations aerial darting Rose Creek n/a n/a not released as of 12/31/96

071 F Sawtooth 09/08/96 livestock depredations 072 M Sawtooth 09/08/96 livestock depredations aerial darting Rose Creek n/a n/a not released as of 12/31/96 aerial darting Rose Creek n/a n/a not released as of 12/31/96 Table 7 Information about free-ranging wolves that were placed in captivity in Yellowstone National Park during 1996. Animals are listed chronologically relative to date place in captivity. Idaho Population Status and Movement Twenty-nine of 35 gray wolves translocated to Idaho from Canada. 15 in 1995 and 20 in 1996, survived through 1996, three died and three are unaccounted for (Table 8). Radio-collared wolves spend approximately 52% of their time on non-wilderness federal lands (primarily National Forest) and 42% is designated wilderness based on radio location data gathered in 1995 and 1996. Ninety-five percent of occupied wolf range is on national forest land; wolves occupy 33% of available designated wilderness and 18% non-wilderness. Forty-one percent of occupied wolf range overlaps active livestock allotments on federal land primarily south of the Salmon River. Monitoring flights were conducted approximately once every three weeks in 1995 and once every 10-12 days since July 1996. The experimental release area north of the Salmon River is more difficult to fly because of maritime climate influence versus continental influence south of the Salmon River. 1995 Wolves At least 11 of 15 wolves translocated to central Idaho and immediately release survived through 1996. Of seven males and eight females released, two females are dead (4F and 13F) and two wolves (3F and 2M) have been missing since March, 1995. Of 11, 1995 wolves still alive, seven were adults when released. Terrain steepness and dissected nature of drainages throughout the central Idaho backcountry may have influenced observed wolf movement patterns in 1995 and 1996. Few drainages within central Idaho allowed for directional travel of any distance. Those that lay in the northward or southward direction is frequently intersected by many other drainages often diverging in yet another direction. Any directional path would be difficult, particularly if an animal chose to navigate distance by remaining within steep drainages amid broken terrain. Despite the topography wolves traveled long distances over short time periods across rugged terrain in 1995 and 1996 but never out of the experimental area as predicted. Instead, wolves appeared to explore small areas intensively followed by what appeared to be random movements across the experimental release area. Consistent with predictions some of the surviving wolves have pair bonded and established packs in 1996. Movement patterns of lone and paired wolves released in 1995 became distinguishable in 1996. Lone wolves, males and females, appear to follow each other over long distances in areas explored and vacated only days prior to arrival by another wolf, or periodically by wolves that paired or produced young in 1996. Lone wolves periodically joined other loners for a period of 1-3 days before leaving and traveling alone again. Such movements involve both wolves that were pack mates prior to their capture and wolves that were not related. In contrast to movements by lone wolves released in 1995, four wolf pairs including three that produced pups in 1996 have settled. Their movements suggest a continue pattern of exploration and likely pursuit of vulnerable prey but overmuch smaller and predictable areas, even during winter. In addition, telemetry locations of pairs from spring to fall suggest they are selecting high mountain basins within the experimental area that are less than 20% slope. Many unconfirmed wolf reports have come from these same areas during the past 40 years. This pattern is consistent for three pairs that whelped pups in 1996: 5M and 10F, 8M and 6F, and 9M and 16F, and two pairs that apparently did not produce pups: 7M and 11F, and 11F and an unmarked male. Of 11 surviving 1995 wolves, all but two lone males have pair bonded. Only the apparent male paired with 15F in Kelly Creek is not wearing a radio collar. Wolf 12M is a lone adult male that travels extensively south of the Salmon River and 14M is a lone adult male that moved from south of the Salmon River to the north in July 1996 and frequents the vicinity of Lochsa River. 16