Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Wolf De-listing

While Wyoming's Congressional delegation is taking up wolf de-listing on the federal level, an on-the-ground project demonstrating effective non-lethal methods of managing wolves to protect sheep in Idaho is receiving a new round of support. And it's being promoted as a model for Wyoming and other wolf states. Blaine County (Idaho) Commissioners have issued a letter requesting that the Wood River Wolf Project continue. Commissioner Larry Schoen says it’s just the kind of research that’s needed to add to the toolbox in managing wolves.







Lava Lake Lamb also supports the project, and has grazed sheep in the protection zone. Lava Lake biologist Mike Stevens…







The drawback is the cost because it’s labor-intensive. Most of the bill has been footed by Defenders of Wildlife, and the group is working on raising more money. The project uses a combination of methods, including portable fencing with red flags, noise boxes, guard dogs and human presence to keep sheep and wolves apart when sheep are grazing on public lands. The Forest Service and Idaho Department of Fish and Game have been partners in the research.

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