Nevada wildlife authorities are examining evidence that wolves may be returning to the Silver State. It would be the first time in a century. According to Outdoor Life the new Nevada wolves may be following a Moose boom in the state.
Moose have been coming into the region of Elko, Nevada for several years. Enough have arrived for the state to allow its first moose hunt. Apparently the wolves, (Canis lupus) are interested in hunting the moose too.
The moose were being counted by a helicopter overflight when the “suspected” wolves were spotted. That is according to the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). Biologists were dispatched to the scene. Tracks were found at the scene.
“The agency added that biologists measured those tracks and found them to be consistent with gray wolves. They also installed trail cameras and collected scat and hair samples for DNA testing.” Results are pending.
The agency added that biologists measured those tracks and found them to be consistent with gray wolves. They also installed trail cameras and collected scat and hair samples for DNA testing.
Western wolf populations have rebounded in a big way since the species was reintroduced in the 90s, however, and it wouldn’t be at all surprising if the wolves were moving into the area from other states. Nevada is literally surrounded by wolves, with all five neighboring states harboring at least some of the animals.
The largest source populations for Nevada’s wolves lie to the north in Oregon and Idaho. These states currently hold around 178 and 1,337 gray wolves, respectively.
Utah has the smallest number of wolves among the five states, with an estimated 20 gray wolves currently living in the northeast corner near the borders of Idaho and Wyoming. Next is California, which is home to an estimated 45 gray wolves and seven named packs. Arizona is home to a different species, the Mexican wolf, but their numbers have been growing for eight rows in a row now, with the most recent survey showing 144 individuals. (Because of where the wolves were seen in Nevada’s northeast corner and the federal regulations establishing separate recovery zones for the two species, it’s almost certain that the wolves spotted in Nevada earlier this month were gray wolves and not Mexican wolves.) (Links in original)
Reintroduction of wolves remains controversial. Colorado reintroduced them late last year after major debate. Recent reports that a wolf has killed a calf has rekindled debate.
Wolves are a hot button conservation issue all over the west and in other parts of the world.