2017 Yellowstone Park wolf report released

Yellowstone National Park has released a detailed report of wolf activity within the park during 2017.

According to the report, there were at least 97 wolves in 11 packs (3 breeding pairs) living primarily in Yellowstone at the end of December 2017. Each of the packs ranged from 2 to 21, averaging 8.8 animals per pack.

Overall wolf numbers have not varied much from 2009 to 2017. The overall numbers have ranged between 83 to 108 animals. The number of breeding pairs (defined as a male and female with two pups) has typically been two to three times higher than it was last year.

Across Yellowstone, 21 pups survived to year-end. Only 5 were located in northern Yellowstone and 16 in the park interior.

The park count indicates the type of prey killed by wolves varies by time period but primarily consists of elk. Predation of other species, like bison and mule deer may be increasing, according to the study.

Project staff detected 233 kills that were probably made by wolves in 2017. 64% were elk, 13% bison, 5% mule deer, and smaller numbers of coyotes, white-tailed deer, hares and other animals.