Idaho Wolf Project a Success Despite Neglect.

A group of Canadian gray wolves introduced into Idaho's Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness have prospered beyond the dreams of federal recovery goals despite the neglect and hostility of state authorities.

The management of Idaho's wolf recovery program was handed over to the Nez Perce Tribe after the State of Idaho declined the responsibility. Despite inadequate funding, the wolf population has grown to twice that of Yellowstone's, to more than 650 animals. It is estimated that Idaho has more wolves than Montana and Wyoming combined. Most importantly, the wolves and the live stock community have learned to coexist. So what was Idaho governor Butch Otter's response to this success, to call for the introduction of wolf hunting.

While I can sympathize for the desire to stabilize Idaho's wolf numbers, too much work was put into this recovery to simply destroy the animals. Especially since current livestock conflicts are not the impetus for reducing the population. If the governor must reduce their numbers, he should be encouraged to find new homes for these animals. Most of the North East and upper Midwest are over run with deer and would make ideal habitat. Trapping and relocating the wolves won't be easy, and it won't be cheap, but its the right thing to do.