WARNING: Wolves are on the prowl

Wolves are getting bolder as they search for mates

_{By ELIZABETH LADEN}

ISLAND PARK — It’s mating season for wolves, and the young members of area wolf packs are on the prowl for mates that will help them start their own packs.

Wolves have been spotted in and near Harriman State Park and in all areas of Island Park, including subdivisions and on the groomed snowmobile trails. Recently, one was seen prowling around the Sunrise Cafe south of Ashton (formerly the Fall River Cafe). Idaho Department of Fish and Game officials say cooking odors may have attracted the wolf to the restaurant

There have been no reported incidents between wolves and people in Fremont County, but IDFG officials remind everyone to not leave food outside and keep an eye your pets. Wolves have destroyed livestock and dogs, however.

After an international campaign led by wildlife biologists animal rights activists, wolves were transplanted to Yellowstone National Park several years ago. Now some animals are leaving the park and establishing dens in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Wolves used to live in the park, but the National Park  Service slaughtered them in the 1930’s because of their deleterious effect on the park’s large mammals.

Report wolf sightings to IDFG at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/apps/wolf_report/ 
 

This is part of the February 13, 2009 online edition of The Island Park News.

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