Idaho’s wolf population reflects a complex relationship between wildlife, ecosystems, and human communities. Understanding current numbers, monitoring methods, historical context, and management strategies provides insight into this dynamic aspect of Idaho’s natural landscape.
Idaho’s Current Wolf Population
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) estimated the state’s wolf population at 1,235 as of spring 2024. This number represents a slight decrease from the revised 2023 estimate of 1,333 animals, which itself was an increase from an earlier 2023 estimate of 1,150 wolves. These figures are estimates, as counting elusive, wide-ranging species like wolves presents inherent challenges. The population fluctuates throughout the year, peaking in the summer after pups are born and typically declining through fall and winter due to various mortalities, including hunting and trapping. Wolves are distributed across much of the state, particularly in central Idaho.
Monitoring Wolf Populations
Historically, IDFG used radio collars to track wolves, placing collars on animals in most packs to gain minimum population estimates through aerial surveys. However, as wolf numbers grew and spread, this method became less sustainable and more costly.
From 2019 to 2023, IDFG transitioned to a camera-based method, deploying a network of hundreds of remote cameras across the state. These cameras captured millions of photos, which were then analyzed using artificial intelligence software and mathematical modeling to estimate wolf density and overall abundance.
More recently, in July 2024, IDFG announced a new genetics-based statistical model for estimating wolf numbers. This method utilizes genetic and age information collected from harvested wolves to understand relatedness and estimate the total population, providing a more dependable approach, especially as populations might fluctuate.
Historical Population Trends
Wolves were largely eradicated from Idaho by the 1930s due to persecution and poisoning efforts. Their recovery began when the gray wolf was listed as an endangered species in 1973 under the Endangered Species Act.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s recovery plan for the Northern Rocky Mountains led to the reintroduction of wolves into central Idaho in 1995 and 1996. Fifteen wolves were initially reintroduced into the central Idaho wilderness in 1995, followed by another 20 from Canada.
These reintroduced wolves found suitable habitat and abundant prey, leading to a rapid increase in their numbers. The population quickly exceeded recovery goals, and by 2003, the state surpassed the target of 15 breeding pairs and 150 wolves.
Federal protections were eventually removed in 2011, transferring wolf management responsibility back to the state of Idaho. Since then, the population has continued to fluctuate, with estimates reaching over 1,600 animals at its peak before a recent declining trend.
Wolf Management Approaches
Idaho manages its wolf population through a multi-faceted approach overseen primarily by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG). The state’s wolf management plan, updated in May 2023, outlines goals and strategies to manage the wolf population, with a stated objective for the population to fluctuate around an annual midpoint of approximately 500 animals by 2029. This goal aims to reduce conflicts with livestock and support elk herd recovery in some areas.
Management tools include regulated hunting and trapping seasons, allowing for wolf harvest. Idaho law permits hunters and trappers to take wolves with valid tags, with no daily or season limits.
The Idaho Code also allows landowners, their employees, and animal control personnel to kill wolves attacking or molesting livestock or domestic animals without requiring an IDFG permit, though incidents must be reported. USDA Wildlife Services also plays a role in responding to depredation complaints and removing problem wolves, often in coordination with the Idaho Wolf Depredation Control Board. Additionally, the state supports non-lethal prevention measures for livestock protection.