Wolf Population up 10% in 1 year

[GatorBait]

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - State wildlife officials say Wisconsin's wolf population has grown by about 10% over the last year.

The Department of Natural Resources estimates the population at the end of the 2009-2010 winter season was somewhere between 690 and 733 animals, up roughly 10% from the 2008-2009 end-of-winter estimate.

The DNR counted 180 packs of at least two adult wolves each. Thirty packs were distributed across central Wisconsin. One hundred and fifty packs were spread across northern Wisconsin. At least 52 packs had at least five wolves. The Moose Road pack in Douglas County was the largest in the state with 11 wolves.

[DonBo]

Wow, that's a big jump. Does anyone who spends time in Northern WS really believe there's only 700 wolves in the whole state? Seems like there's hundreds in Burnett County alone. The largest pack is only 11? Doubt it.

[GatorBait]

Yeah, I've seen way to many and I only visit the sawyer/price cty area for about a month out of the year. I don't believe the pack of 11 either. A friend in hayward has seen packs of 20+ while gun hunting already during last season.

[Cooter]

So thats about 700 before pups are born? Suppose no talk of a hunting or trapping season either.