Olympic Revival For Wolf? -- N. Cascades Sighting Stirs New Discussion

[Knocker of rocks]

There is a article in Seattle times from 91 about a wolf caught and collored in the cascades. I'd call that a confirmation.

I have extensively looked and googled for this article, and have yet to find it.  I suggest that your assertion is not correct, and that such an article never existed.

There was a wolf collared in 1992, thats pretty close to 1991

Endangered Gray Wolf Trapped Near Mt. Baker

Wednesday, February 5, 1992
State Wildlife Department biologists said they trapped the animal, a healthy 56-pound female, near Mount Baker last Friday. The wolf was fitted with a radio collar and released the next day on national forest land a few miles away.

http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19910908&slug=1304367

Following your link, nowhere is what you purport mentioned.  No such talk about collaring a wolf in '91 or '92

Sunday, September 8, 1991 - Page updated at 12:00 AM


As The Wolves Reappear, So Do Old Range Conflicts
By Sean Kelly
Washington Post
WASHINGTON - For the past decade, gray wolves have been gradually making their way south from Canada, extending their range down the spine of the Rocky Mountains, and are now living in several Western states from which they were exterminated half a century ago.

An estimated 40 to 50 wolves now live in Montana, with smaller numbers in Idaho and perhaps even some in Wyoming.

While wildlife biologists see the return of the wolves as good news, they are concerned that the animals may settle near ranches and kill livestock, renewing old conflicts that led to their deliberate extermination.

The Western adage, "No wolves, no way," still is quoted among many in the livestock industry, and biologists fear the wolves could be killed off in secret. Biologists suggest that a more reliable way to regain wolf populations would be to plant breeding pairs in remote areas where they cannot prey on livestock. At the same time, they say, the natural populations that take up residence near ranches should be monitored and destructive animals should be removed if necessary.

If an approved experimental population can be established, portions of the Endangered Species Act can be relaxed, permitting livestock owners to kill any wolf that threatens domestic stock.

"The question really boils down to: Now that we have wolves, what's the best way to get them off the endangered-species list and have viable populations that people can really enjoy?" said

biologist Ed Bangs, leader of the wolf-recovery program in Montana for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Biologists say Yellowstone National Park is ideal for wolf reintroduction. But, for the past decade, the livestock industry has opposed the idea.

In Congress, Sen. Steve Symms, R-Idaho, and Rep. Ron Marlenee, R-Mont., are among a group of anti-wolf campaigners in Congress who assert that wolves are a threat to humanity. On the other side is Rep. Wayne Owens, D-Utah, a proponent of artificial introduction. Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., opposes introduction but favors natural wolf recovery.

Yellowstone, where the last gray wolf was killed more than 50 years ago, consists of 2.2 million acres surrounded by national forests and on three sides by rigidly protected wilderness areas. Large wild populations of ungulates - hoofed mammals - are found in and around the park, including elk, mule deer, bison, pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep and moose, with smaller populations of white-tailed deer and mountain goats.

"There's certainly concern that ungulates have increased in numbers too large for the (park's) available lands," said Hank Fischer of the activist group Defenders of Wildlife "People think predation's cruel, but it doesn't compare to starvation."

Fischer said that if wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone efforts by officials to control wolf dispersal would focus on the park's periphery, where ranch owners are "rightfully concerned" about their livestock.

Gray wolves can travel great distances in short periods of time. For example, one wolf that was recently radio-collared in Montana's Glacier National Park was killed a few months later 500 miles north in Canada. If that wolf had traveled in the opposite direction, it would have been 100 miles south of Yellowstone.

The wolf movements are a result of growing wolf populations in the Western provinces of Canada.

Wolf packs maintain stable territories for years. So when pups leave home to start new packs, they must move out to the fringe of the old territory. As Canadian wolf numbers grew, they spread. The first wolf den in that part of the United States was confirmed in 1986 in Glacier National Park.

Recently, one wolf was found fatally injured - apparently accidentally - in central Idaho. Confirmed populations of gray wolves also exist in northern Washington and small packs are documented in Wisconsin. A large wolf population has long existed in northern Minnesota.

Removing the wolf from the endangered-species list is the primary objective of Montana's recovery plan.

Although wolves generally prefer to prey upon elk and deer, and although attacks on humans almost never happen, livestock owners contend that they prey indiscriminately. But Fish and Wildlife Service figures indicate that domestic livestock are rarely killed by wolves.

Nevertheless, the service said it is trying to appease ranchers. "I think, at least in Montana, we're doing everything we can to look at the ranchers' interests, which are legitimate," Bangs said.

Copyright (c) 1991 Seattle Times Company, All Rights Reserved.
advertising

[X-Force]

http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19920205&slug=1473981



Endangered Gray Wolf Trapped Near Mt. Baker

By Eric Pryne



For the first time in anyone's memory, wildlife biologists have captured an endangered gray wolf in Washington.

State Wildlife Department biologists said they trapped the animal, a healthy 56-pound female, near Mount Baker last Friday. The wolf was fitted with a radio collar and released the next day on national forest land a few miles away.

The capture is an exciting development, said John Pierce, manager of the department's non-game program. "If she's part of a pack, we should know it pretty soon," he said.

The gray wolf, listed as endangered in every state but Minnesota and Alaska, disappeared from Washington in the early 1900s. But reports of wolf sightings in the wild North Cascades have increased in recent years. In 1990 biologists discovered two dens - the first time wolves had been sighted in the state since 1975.

Pierce said the animals probably are migrating south from Canada, where wolves still are hunted.

"It appears we're in the early stages of re-colonization of the former range in Washington," he said. There's evidence the animals are breeding as far south as the Glacier Peak Wilderness Area just north of Stevens Pass, Pierce added.

According to a Wildlife Department statement, the captured wolf, nicknamed "Nooksack," had been seen several times in recent weeks near a winter-cabin community outside Glacier, Whatcom County. After trying for 10 days, biologists Jon Almack and Scott Fitkin succeeded in luring the animal into a fenced swimming-pool area, using a fish carcass as bait.

Once she was inside, the gate was closed. The wolf was tranquilized, and a local veterinarian took X-rays of her skull to verify her species.

Pierce said Almack and Fitkin are participating in a long-range study of the gray wolf's relationship with its environment in Washington, including diet, movement and range.


Copyright (c) 1992 Seattle Times Company, All Rights Reserved.

[WAcoyotehunter]

  Do have any actual sources?  Department documents?  Research?  Is this old newspaper article all you have to show "proof" of some elaborate cover up??

[wolfbait]

Do have any actual sources?  Department documents?  Research?  Is this old newspaper article all you have to show "proof" of some elaborate cover up??

Are you trying to say that the Seattle Times came out with the articles on their own? Just pulled the info out of the sky, kind of like WDFW wolf counts?  Google "WDFW deny Seattle times wolf articles in the 1980's and 90's" etc.."

It's getting harder to defend WDF&wolves isn't it?

[pianoman9701]

I'm confused. Wolfbait, I benefit from the information in some of your posts. This one has zero relevance to anything I can see, at this point. 

[wolfbait]

Thanks X-Force

[wolfbait]

I'm confused. Wolfbait, I benefit from the information in some of your posts. This one has zero relevance to anything I can see, at this point. 

I was doing some research the other day, and found this article, which I hadn't seen before. I posted it as an add on to the other articles of wolves in the 1980's and 90's.

[timberfaller]

Why does the government LIE??

Because it can!

Why do they do it Continuously?

Because there are no repercussions done on them who do!!

Sad to see so many people have accepted it as norm!

[stocmamu]

Here is what WDFW says about wolf occupancy in Washington State in the 1990's (From page 20-21 of the WDFW Wolf Plan):

Washington experienced a flurry of reported wolf activity during the early 1990s, primarily in the North Cascades, which presumably involved animals originating mostly from southern British Columbia. Adult wolves with pups were detected at two locations in the North Cascades in the summer of 1990.  One of these sites was in the Hozomeen area of the Ross Lake National Recreational Area, where animals were present for more than a month (Church 1996, Almack and Fitkin 1998) and were again documented (without breeding evidence) in 1991, 1992, and 1993.  It was later learned that a pet wolf released in this area in the early 1990s (Martino 1997) was responsible for some of these sightings (S. Fitkin, pers. comm.). The second location occurred northwest of Winthrop near the Pasayten Wilderness (Anonymous 1990, Gaines et al. 2000).  Howling surveys conducted in the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests from 1991 to 1993 resulted in two confirmed wolf responses in backcountry areas, with one involving multiple individuals in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness and the other being a lone individual in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness (Gaines et al. 1995; W. Gaines, pers. comm.). A sighting of a wolf with pups was also reported in the North Cascades in July 1996 (Church 1996). Additionally, one wolf was found dead near Calispell Lake in southern Pend Oreille County in May 1994 (Palmquist 2002; WDFW, unpubl. data).  This animal was radio-collared and had immigrated from northwestern Montana.  Overall, from 1991 to 1995, Almack and Fitkin (1998) reported 20 confirmed wolf sightings in Washington. Sixteen of these were made in the Cascades and four in Pend Oreille County, although these records were probably biased towards observations in the Cascades.  Almack and Fitkin (1998) concluded that small numbers of wolves existed in Washington, mostly as individuals and with one or two possible breeding packs that did not persist.  No evidence of large packs or a recovering population was detected. Almack and Fitkin (1998) also confirmed the presence of free-ranging wolf-dog hybrids in the state and believed that a significant number of reported wolf observations probably represented hybrid animals.  Wolf reports in Washington declined from 1996 to 2001, probably due mainly to a reduced emphasis on data collection.  However, reports began increasing again in about 2002 (WDFW, unpubl. data), as summarized in the following sections.  This was likely a reflection of increased dispersal of wolves into Washington from adjacent recovering populations in Idaho and Montana, and resumed efforts by agency biologists and others to obtain and follow up on reports and to place remote cameras in the field.

[WAcoyotehunter]

Here is what WDFW says about wolf occupancy in Washington State in the 1990's (From page 20-21 of the WDFW Wolf Plan):

Washington experienced a flurry of reported wolf activity during the early 1990s, primarily in the North Cascades, which presumably involved animals originating mostly from southern British Columbia. Adult wolves with pups were detected at two locations in the North Cascades in the summer of 1990.  One of these sites was in the Hozomeen area of the Ross Lake National Recreational Area, where animals were present for more than a month (Church 1996, Almack and Fitkin 1998) and were again documented (without breeding evidence) in 1991, 1992, and 1993.  It was later learned that a pet wolf released in this area in the early 1990s (Martino 1997) was responsible for some of these sightings (S. Fitkin, pers. comm.). The second location occurred northwest of Winthrop near the Pasayten Wilderness (Anonymous 1990, Gaines et al. 2000).  Howling surveys conducted in the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests from 1991 to 1993 resulted in two confirmed wolf responses in backcountry areas, with one involving multiple individuals in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness and the other being a lone individual in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness (Gaines et al. 1995; W. Gaines, pers. comm.). A sighting of a wolf with pups was also reported in the North Cascades in July 1996 (Church 1996). Additionally, one wolf was found dead near Calispell Lake in southern Pend Oreille County in May 1994 (Palmquist 2002; WDFW, unpubl. data).  This animal was radio-collared and had immigrated from northwestern Montana.  Overall, from 1991 to 1995, Almack and Fitkin (1998) reported 20 confirmed wolf sightings in Washington. Sixteen of these were made in the Cascades and four in Pend Oreille County, although these records were probably biased towards observations in the Cascades.  Almack and Fitkin (1998) concluded that small numbers of wolves existed in Washington, mostly as individuals and with one or two possible breeding packs that did not persist.  No evidence of large packs or a recovering population was detected. Almack and Fitkin (1998) also confirmed the presence of free-ranging wolf-dog hybrids in the state and believed that a significant number of reported wolf observations probably represented hybrid animals.  Wolf reports in Washington declined from 1996 to 2001, probably due mainly to a reduced emphasis on data collection.  However, reports began increasing again in about 2002 (WDFW, unpubl. data), as summarized in the following sections.  This was likely a reflection of increased dispersal of wolves into Washington from adjacent recovering populations in Idaho and Montana, and resumed efforts by agency biologists and others to obtain and follow up on reports and to place remote cameras in the field.

HOLY SMOKES!!!!  This is the big secret that everyone has been looking for   

[jasnt]

There is a article in Seattle times from 91 about a wolf caught and collored in the cascades. I'd call that a confirmation.

I have extensively looked and googled for this article, and have yet to find it.  I suggest that your assertion is not correct, and that such an article never existed.

there was not a collaring effort. There was a wolf sighting, documented.  Which is biologically meaningless.

There was a wolf collared in 1992, thats pretty close to 1991

Endangered Gray Wolf Trapped Near Mt. Baker

Wednesday, February 5, 1992
State Wildlife Department biologists said they trapped the animal, a healthy 56-pound female, near Mount Baker last Friday. The wolf was fitted with a radio collar and released the next day on national forest land a few miles away.
http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19920205&slug=1473981

yes that was the article I was referring too. My mistake on the year!

[WAcoyotehunter]

"After trying for 10 days, biologists Jon Almack and Scott Fitkin succeeded in luring the animal into a fenced swimming-pool area, using a fish carcass as bait."

Ah yes, the old "swimming pool cage trap".... not generally regarded as the best trapping method for wolves...or any wild animal for that matter.

It was a hybrid dog.

page 313, The Company of Wolves, by Peter Stienhart

[wolfbait]

Here is what WDFW says about wolf occupancy in Washington State in the 1990's (From page 20-21 of the WDFW Wolf Plan):

Washington experienced a flurry of reported wolf activity during the early 1990s, primarily in the North Cascades, which presumably involved animals originating mostly from southern British Columbia. Adult wolves with pups were detected at two locations in the North Cascades in the summer of 1990.  One of these sites was in the Hozomeen area of the Ross Lake National Recreational Area, where animals were present for more than a month (Church 1996, Almack and Fitkin 1998) and were again documented (without breeding evidence) in 1991, 1992, and 1993.  It was later learned that a pet wolf released in this area in the early 1990s (Martino 1997) was responsible for some of these sightings (S. Fitkin, pers. comm.). The second location occurred northwest of Winthrop near the Pasayten Wilderness (Anonymous 1990, Gaines et al. 2000).  Howling surveys conducted in the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests from 1991 to 1993 resulted in two confirmed wolf responses in backcountry areas, with one involving multiple individuals in the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness and the other being a lone individual in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness (Gaines et al. 1995; W. Gaines, pers. comm.). A sighting of a wolf with pups was also reported in the North Cascades in July 1996 (Church 1996). Additionally, one wolf was found dead near Calispell Lake in southern Pend Oreille County in May 1994 (Palmquist 2002; WDFW, unpubl. data).  This animal was radio-collared and had immigrated from northwestern Montana.  Overall, from 1991 to 1995, Almack and Fitkin (1998) reported 20 confirmed wolf sightings in Washington. Sixteen of these were made in the Cascades and four in Pend Oreille County, although these records were probably biased towards observations in the Cascades.  Almack and Fitkin (1998) concluded that small numbers of wolves existed in Washington, mostly as individuals and with one or two possible breeding packs that did not persist.  No evidence of large packs or a recovering population was detected. Almack and Fitkin (1998) also confirmed the presence of free-ranging wolf-dog hybrids in the state and believed that a significant number of reported wolf observations probably represented hybrid animals.  Wolf reports in Washington declined from 1996 to 2001, probably due mainly to a reduced emphasis on data collection.  However, reports began increasing again in about 2002 (WDFW, unpubl. data), as summarized in the following sections.  This was likely a reflection of increased dispersal of wolves into Washington from adjacent recovering populations in Idaho and Montana, and resumed efforts by agency biologists and others to obtain and follow up on reports and to place remote cameras in the field.

Pretty good cover story:

 "No evidence of large packs or a recovering population was detected. Almack and Fitkin (1998) also confirmed the presence of free-ranging wolf-dog hybrids in the state and believed that a significant number of reported wolf observations probably represented hybrid animals."

State wildlife agents already have identified six packs of wolves in Washington's Cascades, and more are expected to migrate from Canada to the state's protected forests.
Monday's meeting, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Shorline Community College's Lecture Hall 1605, is an open house. Biologists will be on hand to show a videotape of wolves in the U.S. and answer questions from the public. http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19920417&slug=1486887



 "However, reports began increasing again in about 2002 (WDFW,"

 Conservation groups want U.S. to restore gray wolves in state

Friday, November 1, 2002

http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20021101&slug=graywolves01m

I wonder why WDFW shut the coyote hunting off in the Pasyten W. in 1992 over fear of someone shooting some wolves?


Free-ranging wolf-dog hybrids-really, 

[WAcoyotehunter]

https://books.google.com/books?id=URrxfzXwdkkC&pg=PA313&lpg=PA313&dq=john+almack+wolf+trapped+dog&source=bl&ots=uA-wD0xpUG&sig=G_rZKu0vtqyWKTsBo5UtRqfcaYE&hl=en&sa=X&ei=DUb_VM6dHcL1oAT4mYKoDA&ved=0CCQQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=john%20almack%20wolf%20trapped%20dog&f=false

[wolfbait]

https://books.google.com/books?id=URrxfzXwdkkC&pg=PA313&lpg=PA313&dq=john+almack+wolf+trapped+dog&source=bl&ots=uA-wD0xpUG&sig=G_rZKu0vtqyWKTsBo5UtRqfcaYE&hl=en&sa=X&ei=DUb_VM6dHcL1oAT4mYKoDA&ved=0CCQQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=john%20almack%20wolf%20trapped%20dog&f=false

I wonder who Carter Niemeyer was trapping wolves for in 1992?