In 1995, no one would have predicted the success that has been seen in the reintroduction of the wolf into wilderness areas in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. One goal of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service was to have 10 breeding pairs in the three recovery areas. In the most recent study, there were more than 900 wolves in the tri-state region.
During the past summer, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources conducted meetings statewide to determine the measure of control that would be exacted on Utah?s wolf population. While there is an argument of whether Utah has a wolf population, almost all biologists contend that in Utah?s wildest regions, a population will find its way there.
In the presentation made by the Daily Universe, we showed residents the importance of being aware of the process that was used to reintroduce the populations to wilderness areas; the difficulties in monitoring, controlling and eliminating those animals.
We feel Utah DWR officials are taking proper steps through the public hearing process to make certain all voices from all segments concerned are represented, so when wolves are introduced or naturally disperse into the state, the proper laws are in place for monitoring and control.
We applaud the state and hope the laws needed will be in place by the time the first low howl of a wolf comes down from Lone Peak.
