Wolves in N. Idaho wilderness area elude fish and game officials

LEWISTON, Idaho (AP) Workers with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game failed to catch a wolf in the Selway-Bitteroot Wilderness Area in northern Idaho this summer.

But Steve Nadeau, large carnivore coordinator for the department, says they learned the wolves' habits over the summer and are optimistic of success next year.

The department wants to place a radio collar on at least one wolf in each wolf pack in Idaho so the state can have a better understanding of wolf populations and their movements when it takes over management of wolves from the federal government.

Department officials say wolves in wilderness areas can act as core populations that will replace wolves killed in other parts of the state through hunting.

Information from: Lewiston Tribune (Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-28-07 1023CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list