A Juneau man accused of multiple hunting violations in the area, including the illegal shooting of a black-colored wolf many residents believe was the one called, "Romeo" pleaded guilty as a crowded courtroom looked on. Observers in court, where a black wolf pelt was displayed, told the Juneau Empire they were certain it was from Romeo. "No mistake. You can tell by this scar here." Sentencing and proposed tribute known as the Romeo Seat Some in the state say along with a lot of wildlife hanging out in the woods, it also includes two animals that officials say aren't here... the cougar and the wolf. In the last 15 years, there have been a couple of documented cases of wolves in the state. They were here in the past, but could there be a larger population than we think? The experts disagree whether or not a breeding population is already established. They do agree very few places have moose densities like Maine without a large canid predator, so biologically certainly the state can support wolves. The question is whether humans want wolves in their environment. Hey, Maine, what's in the woods? According to a Conservation Director, he found himself treed by a small pack of wolves. Brian Roell, a wildlife biologist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment, said he wished DNRE offices were contacted following the encounter, allowing personnel to investigate the matter further. Roell said it is common behavior for wolves or any other wild animal to shy away from human contact, generally running away when encountering humans. Once Upon a Time... A gray wolf weighing an estimated 80 pounds was caught by a coyote trapper outside of Rochester. Conservation officers received the call in time to release the wolf alive but with an injured paw. Dan Stark, wolf expert for the DNR, said it was likely that gray wolves in southeast Minnesota originate in Wisconsin rather than northern Minnesota because there are wolf packs established just 75 miles east of Rochester. Gray wolves would be able to cross the Mississippi River during winter. Photo: Disperser or Breeder? An animal mistaken for a coyote and killed appears to be a wolf. The wolf, a male, weighed 104 pounds and appeared to be 3 years old. Resource scientists have collected tissue and hair for DNA analysis and they're contacting wildlife biologists from nearby states that have wolves. Initial clues Two wild gray wolves were found dead in separate locations in northwest Montana. Both animals appeared to have died as a result of gunshot wounds. The agency is investigating the wolves' deaths. Information and reward regarding this case The female wolf of the Morgart Pack was found dead earlier in October. The cause of death is unknown pending completion of a necropsy. Her mate was missing at the time of this fatal discovery but has been located alive according to telemetry flight reports. Killing separates wolf pair Author and carnivore biologist, Bob Wayne, believes his recent study has been misinterpreted by those saying the research proved the gene pool to be strong, when in fact, it doesn't make that statement. Wayne takes issue with those claiming 100 animals per state means "full recovery" since that doesn't take into account the genetic diversity needed to keep the species healthy. Wolf Genetics Study Shows Diversity is Lacking Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife wolf coordinator Russ Morgan confirmed a wolf carrying a radio collar from the Wenaha pack had been killed. The wolf has been identified as the same 2-year-old male that was captured and fitted with a radio tracking collar in August. His pack consists of four adults and at least two pups. Conservation director Steve Pedry said the Wenaha pack has not been tied to any livestock attacks. "This was a silver wolf wearing a big honking radio collar that is hard to miss. Somebody was out to shoot a wolf. It is very important that the agencies get on top of this so it is a deterrent to other yahoos who want to follow suit." Protected wolf killed in NE Oregon The USFWS is delaying the release of 8 wolves into the wilderness until sometime next year. The federal agency and the Arizona Game and Fish Department had planned to release the 8 wolves around the end of October but the reintroduction program has suffered some setbacks, with wolves showing up dead. Announcement According to DNR wildlife biologist Ron Eckstein, some of the clearest footage we've seen of such a large wolf pack in the state was taken October 11 in Oneida County. The 13 wolves are said to be from the Pelican Lake Pack and thought to consist of 4 adults and 9 pups. 10:19 minute video According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Agriculture and National Veterinary Institute, wolf puppies from Nordic zoos may be the first additions to genetically enhance the highly inbred Swedish wolf population. The idea is to put them among puppies in existing dens. By the year 2014, plans are to add new blood by bringing 20 wolves into Sweden. However, the question is how and where A whole century later, wolves have returned to the Swiss Alps, their numbers are on the rise, and the emergence of packs is foreseeable. 15-20 individual wolves are believed to have resettled. "A great event in environment conservation" has sparked fierce debates in the mountain republic. Wolf Back at Swiss Door Four anti-wolf bills have been proposed by Republican and Democratic members of the House and Senate to remove wolves from the list of endangered species list in Montana and Idaho, portions of surrounding states, or the entire country. WHAP is keeping track of these bills. None of them have gone beyond their first step of the legislative process. Meaning after being introduced, they have been assigned to a congressional committee, which will investigate them before possibly sending them on to the House or Senate for general debate. The majority of bills (and resolutions) never make it past this point. You may still voice your opposition in writing by following included instructions if you choose or stay tuned and updated with Wolf Howl Animal Preserve: Don't Let Congress Kill Wolves |