Delisting could keep wolves from spreading

[WQ Project Coordinator]

By MIKE STARK
Associated Press writer

Saturday, April 12, 2008 2:05 AM MDT

SALT LAKE CITY -- Gray wolves face longer odds of getting established in Utah now that federal protection has ended for the northern Rocky Mountains population, a state wildlife official said.

To get to Utah from large wolf population centers in Idaho and Yellowstone National Park, wandering wolves face either the prospect of unregulated killing in much of Wyoming or the daunting task of crossing the Snake River, said Kevin Bunnell, wildlife mammals program coordinator for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

During a briefing with the state Wildlife Board Thursday, Bunnell expressed doubt about many wolves making it to Utah even though the population has grown rapidly in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho.

It's even less likely that more than one or two wolves would make it to Utah and start a pack, federal officials said.

For the rest of the article go to http://www.trib.com/articles/2008/04/14 ... 7e991f.txt

[king1-7]

Well, now that they're delisted in those states, of course they won't be dispersing very far. I'd say the area of the United States that has Gray wolves in it is pretty much set, except for the Mexican wolf reintroduction area; that might (hopefully) grow.

[Songdog]

Don't forget about the plans underway for red wolf introduction.