Wyo. estimates 52 wolf deaths from hunting

Wildlife managers estimate hunting and other causes of death should reduce Wyoming's wolf population outside Yellowstone National Park to roughly 170 wolves by next December. The estimate from the state Game and Fish Department assumes the predator is removed from Endangered Species Act protection in the state next fall as planned. Wildlife managers say there are currently about 270 wolves in Wyoming outside of Yellowstone. Under the proposed rules, hunters would be allowed to kill 52 wolves in Wyoming next fall. Other mortality, including poaching and vehicle collisions, would bring the total to 98 dead wolves. State biologist Ken Mills says the proposed hunting rules will ensure the state maintains a viable wolf population.