Yellowstone report details wolf, fish and raptor populations
A new Yellowstone National Park report shows there were at least 104 wolves living in the park during December of 2014. The wolves were part of 11 packs, including nine breeding pairs.
From 2009 to 2014, wolf numbers fluctuated between 83 and 104 wolves and six to nine breeding pairs. The average pack consisted of nine wolves. Forty pups survived to year-end, including 17 in northern Yellowstone and 23 in the interior of the park.
The size of wolf packs was estimated via genetic sampling, using scat samples from a den site.
The report also reviewed fish and bird populations in Yellowstone.
According to the report, there are signs that the number of Yellowstone cutthroat trout in Yellowstone Lake is increasing. Over one million lake trout were removed from the lake.
Park managers completed the fourth of a five-year Yellowstone Raptor Initiative, focusing on the role of aerial predators like hawks, eagles and owls. The nesting success of bald eagles and ospreys has been above the long-term averages for both species during the last several years.
You can read the full reports at the following links:
