Wolf population dropped 4 percent in 2012

Montana’s wolf population dipped by more than 4 percent in 2012, according to Montana, Fish, Wildlife and Parks. That’s the first time since 2004 that the wolf count has decreased.

The minimum number of wolves in the state is 625 wolves in 147 packs with 37 breeding pairs, FWP announced March 21.

Most of the state’s wolves live in the northwest region, which includes an area north of U.S. 12 and Interstate 90 from the Idaho border to the Rocky Mountain Front and Interstate 15.

All told, 400 wolves live in the northwest in 100 packs and 25 breeding pairs — which is 27 more wolves than 2011.

These numbers don’t include the 95 wolves hunters and trappers killed between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28 of 2013.

“We’re making some progress,” FWP Director Jeff Hagener said about lowering wolf numbers. “Confirmed livestock loss has been on a general downward trend since 2009, and we have more tools now for affecting wolf populations. In some areas, where hunting, trapping and livestock-depradation removals have been effective, it looks like the wolf population has been curbed this year.”

FWP will release a more complete report on the wolf population in April.