The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has a nice overview of wolf tracking efforts in Wisconsin.  These wolves, of course, formed the core of Michigan’s wolf population.  Excerpts and link:

Wisconsin’s wolf population is thriving. Back when radio collars were first used, only 25 wolves were counted during the winter of 1979-’80. The animals had been hunted for lucrative bounties, and by the 1950s and ’60s they were considered extirpated in Wisconsin and listed as a federal endangered species. They began padding back into the state from Minnesota in the 1970s, but diseases such as mange and parvovirus killed many.

When Wydeven started working with Wisconsin’s wolf population in 1990, there were an estimated 34 wolves, and the goal was 80.

“At the time that seemed pretty formidable. Back in the early 1990s nobody would have guessed we’d have 500,” Wydeven said.

The last winter count estimated the number of wolves living in northern and central Wisconsin between 535 and 564 in 143 packs, with 30% to 40% sporting radio collars.

Last year wolves were removed from the federal endangered species list. The population has rebounded to the point that conflicts with landowners are growing. Last week, Wydeven said that plans and studies are under way for a wolf hunting season in two or three years. Wolf hunting would have to be approved by the Natural Resources Board and the Legislature, and a court challenge would be likely.

Full article:

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=784272

Note: The image above was taken from the State of Wisconsin’s DNR web site.

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