MOTOMO Nez Perce, He Who Goes First
WH AT’ s INSIDE : WOLF: Understanding Recovery ..................... 3 A Tribute to Motomo.............................. 8 Wolf Behavior 101 ................................. 11 EDUCATION: Can There Ever Be Enough ....... 17 Wolf Puzzle ........................................... 19 RESEARCH: Silent Night................................ 23 Meet Our Intern .................................... 24 CENTER: WERC Visitor’s Center ..................... 27
WWW.WOLFCENTER.ORG
WINTER 2008
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S LETTER R
No organization can operate without a
A conversation with a colleague sparked a thought the other day as I reflected on the concept of wilderness. The notion of someone introducing young people to an awareness of wilderness through animal tracking adventures is an admirable mission. Their hope, much like the Center’s, is that by coming into contact with various elements or creatures in the outdoors, they will work toward creating experienced advocates for wildlife conservation and protection.
BO A R D O F D I R E C TOR S
Roy Farrar, Idaho Board of Directors Roy.Farrar@wolfcenter.org
It’s no secret that I am a reluctant city dweller. I’ve acclimated over the years but my mind still wanders to my childhood at the foothills of North Central Oregon’s Mt. Hood in the Columbia Gorge. As a young person, I never lacked the need for imagining a crystal clear blue sky or the dazzle of a starry night---it was there for the taking! And when the constant dampness of my Portland surroundings becomes too much, it’s that memory that first enters my mind. It has become my wilderness that I yearn for the most.
Sally Farrar, Idaho Board of Directors, Secretary Sally.Farrar@wolfcenter.org Sharon Lander, California Board of Directors, Treasurer Sharon.Lander@wolfcenter.org Dennis Olson, Montana Board of Directors Dennis.Olson@wolfcenter.org
WE R C S TA F F
It’s not enough to read these words. Action is required. As you read this issue of the Sawtooth Legacy Quarterly, only our third publication in this format, we invite you to our wilderness, a place, while still too close to the noise and distraction of political conflict, is far enough removed to jump start your imagination. It can help you begin believing in what can be if we remain committed to what we know is right. ~ Herbert Hoover
“Words without actions are the assassins of idealism.”
Chris Anderson Executive Director Chris.Anderson@wolfcenter.org Jeremy Heft Wildlife Biologist Jeremy.Heft@wolfcenter.org Randy Stewart On-Site Education & Tours Randy.Stewart@wolfcenter.org
WERC
(8 8 8 ) 4 2 2 - 111 0 i nfo@ w o l f c e n ter.o rg WW W. W O L F C E N T E R .OR G
As I continue understanding myself and those around me, there are some stark realities that invade my wilderness. As long as we are able, we have to continue advocating for those who’s voices are silenced by this absence of intuition. The absence of imagination. Or perhaps a void of idealism. But there also lies a caution, as Herbert Hoover said succinctly, “Words without actions are the assas~ Alan Alda sins of idealism.”
“Leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover will be yourself.”
Douglas Christensen, Idaho Chairman of the Board Doug.Christensen@wolfcenter.org
Photo credits courtesy of Aaron Frizzell Photography.
intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover will be yourself.”
Dear Friends,
dedicated staff, board of directors, and team of volunteers and interns. WERC is blessed to have some of the finest and most committed in all those categories. With various backgrounds in business, engineering, wildlife management, and more, we blend personalities together with the hope of serving the mission of the Wolf Education & Research Center.
is excited to announce that Nick Fiore has moved forward in his interests elsewhere. Nick served WERC faithfully and creatively during a critical time in our history and on behalf of the board of directors and supporters, we say thanks and blessings to him.
As of late, I’ve been learning to find my wilderness, amidst the glass cased high rises and the highways and roads that snake between them. There are, regrettably, less frequent treks to the mountains of my childhood. A small tradeoff has been more frequent trips to the wilderness of North Central Idaho. In between these visits I have found certain peace in thoughts like actor Alan Alda once voiced, “Leave the city of your comfort, and go into the wilderness of your
We continue working imaginatively on your behalf until the moment that each of you are able to join us in the hills above Lewiston, Idaho, where two remaining Sawtooth Pack wolves continue to represent their unprotected cousins. Warmest Regards,
Chris Anderson, Executive Director
YOU C A N SEN D YOU R T H OU GH T S TO W ER C AT IN FO @ W O LFC E N TE R . O R G
X UNDERSTANDING
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RECOVERY ............. 3
SAWTOOTH PACK UPDATE
X A TRIBUTE TO
Wilderness Area, the largest wilderness area in the continental United States, covering an area even larger than Yellowstone National Park and, like Yellowstone, without any livestock grazing operations.
The plan would allow, the removal of more than half of the current wolf population without valid justification.
MOTOMO ................. 8
X WOLF BEHAVIOR 101 ................................. 11
Wolf Education & Research Center W E R C I S D E D I C AT E D T O P R O V I D I N G U P T O D AT E I N F O R M AT I O N A B O U T T H E U N D E R S TA N D I N G O F W O LV E S .
wolf
“ “ But while Yellowstone currently holds about 150 wolves, IDFG plans to leave only between eight and 32 wolves in the entire Frank Church wilderness complex. There is no biological justification for reducing wolf numbers so dramatically. In summary, this plan: •
The Sawtooth Pack: Wolves of the Nez Perce live on twenty acres of rolling timberland with meadows and streams. These wolves serve as ambassadors for their wild cousins by educating the public.
U n d e rs tanding R ecove ry; U n d e rs tanding Our Futu re (Extracted and modified from Letter to Cal Groen, IDFG on December 28, 2007)
In the final days of December, the Wolf Education & Research Center (WERC) joined Defenders of Wildlife (“Defenders”), the Boulder-White Clouds Council, Lands Council, and Western Watersheds Project in expressing our very serious concerns with the draft Idaho Wolf Population Management Plan that Idaho Department of Fish and Game (“IDFG”) released November 19, 2007. If you want to better understand this issue, please read on.
Present Circumstances The current Idaho wolf population is estimated at approximately 800 wolves in 42 breeding pairs, however, the draft plan establishes a minimum of 104 wolves and 15 breeding pairs in the state. The plan would allow, and in certain areas compel, the removal of more than half of the current wolf population without valid justification for this aggressive reduction of the current wolf population. For example, the plan proposes to kill nearly all the wolves in the Frank Church River of No Return
WERC MISSION
The Wolf Education and Research Center is dedicated to providing public education and scientific research concerning the gray wolf and its habitat in the Northern Rocky Mountains. The Center will provide the public with the rare opportunity to observe and learn more about the wolf in its natural habitat. It is our goal to be an inclusive organization that offers factual and balanced information. We seek to enhance public awareness of threatened species in the region and to develop, in concert with residents, ways to coexist with these species.
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Would result in the loss of hundreds of wolves, fragmenting the population from wolves in Canada, Montana, and Wyoming, and prevent wolves from fulfilling their ecological function in their native habitat; Fails to adequately integrate wolf behavior, conservation biology and traditional harvest strategies based on species population viability; Establishes a harvest season that is far too long, would disrupt pack structure and result in high pup and subadult mortality, and escalate conflicts with livestock losses; Would significantly impair the dispersal of wolves from Idaho to unoccupied wolf habitat in Washington and Oregon.
The organizations mentioned below, who collectively represent over 9,000 members and supporters in Idaho alone, strongly recommend that the IDFG revise its Draft Idaho Wolf Population Management Plan and submit the following comments and recommendations.
Organizations submitting comments The following organizations have worked in collaboration with WERC on behalf of Wolf Recovery. These organizations strategize weekly to determine the most effective method of informing the public, lobbying policymakers and stakeholders, and in general, fighting for the preservation of this species. Defenders of Wildlife is a national non-profit conservation organization with more than 900,000 members and supporters nationwide. We are a science-based advocacy organization focused on conserving and restoring native species and the habitat upon which they depend, and have been involved in such efforts since the organization’s establishment in 1947. Over the last three decades, Defend-
ers has played a leading role in the recovery of wolves in the Northern Rockies. Defenders administers The Bailey Wildlife Foundation Wolf Compensation Trust, which has reimbursed ranchers more than $950,000 for livestock losses since the program was founded in 1987, and The Bailey Wildlife Foundation Carnivore Conservation Fund, which assists family ranchers and wildlife agencies with nonlethal, proactive methods that help reduce or prevent livestock losses to wolves. These methods include sharing the cost of range riders, livestock guarding dogs, predator deterrent fencing, alternative grazing, and more. Boulder-White Clouds Council was formed in 1989 to gain permanent protection for the 550,000-acre BoulderWhite Cloud Mountains by securing designation within the national Wilderness Preservation System. We focus on protecting and improving watersheds, fish and wildlife habitat in Idaho’s Upper Salmon River region. Our mission includes providing accurate information on many issues including gray wolf recovery to our 800 supporters who mostly reside in Central Idaho. We also provide information to the public at large, media, elected officials, and other conservation organizations in Idaho, the northern Rockies, the Northwest, and nationally, including Washington, D.C. The Lands Council is a non-profit conservation organization, based in Spokane, Washington. We have 1400 members who are dedicated to protecting and restoring the forests and rivers of the Inland Northwest. We recognize the gray wolf as an important species that must be restored to its historical range.
G i v in g Ti ps What is a Bequest?
A bequest is to give or leave something by will, typically personal property or assets.
Western Watersheds Project is an Idaho not-for-profit conservation organization with over 1,800 members. WWP manages the 432-acre Greenfire Preserve (a wildlife sanctuary) located on the East Fork Salmon River near Clayton, Idaho and has offices in Hailey and Boise, Idaho, Wyoming, California, Arizona and Utah. The mission of Western Watersheds Project is to protect and restore western watersheds and wildlife through education, public policy initiatives and litigation. The Wolf Education and Research Center is an Idaho based non-profit with more than 4,000 members and supporters that are dedicated to providing public education concerning the gray wolf and its habitat in the Northern Rocky Mountains. Best known for the Sawtooth Pack on WINTER 2008 / WERC / 4
the Discovery Channel, WERC is increasing public awareness of wolves and related issues with programs that educate, awaken, and motivate the public to action. The Wolf Recovery Foundation is an Idaho based non-profit 501(c) 3 corporation. Its mission is to foster our heritage of wild wolf communities by advocating their presence forever in places where they have been extirpated.
By the 1960s, only a few hundred wolves in northern Minnesota remained in the continental United States.
“ “ Background of the Gray Wolf
More than 200,000 gray wolves (Canis lupus) once lived throughout the United States. Aggressive wildlife killing campaigns led to wolf eradication from most of the country by the mid 1930s. By the 1960s, only a few hundred wolves in northern Minnesota remained in the continental United States.
Congress enacted the Endangered Species Act in 1973 to “provide for the conservation, protection, restoration, and propagation of species of fish, wildlife, and plants facing extinction.” S. Rep. No. 93-307, at 1 (1973), reprinted in 1982 U.S.C.C.A.N. 2989; see also 16 U.S.C. § 1531(b). To accomplish this, the Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to list domestic or foreign species as endangered or threatened (see 16 U.S.C. § 1533(a)-(b). Once a species is so listed, it is afforded certain protections, and federal agencies assume special obligations to conserve, recover, and protect that species. For example, section 7(a)(1) authorizes the Secretary to “live” trap and “transplant” (reintroduce) rare species, if necessary, to bring an endangered or threatened species to the point at which the protective measures of the Endangered Species Act are no longer necessary. 16 U.S.C. §§ 1536(a)(1) and 1532(3) (definition of “conservation”). Wolves dispersed from Canada to northern Montana in the 1980s. In 1987, a western wolf recovery team composed of scientists, biologists, and western agricultural representatives identified northwestern Montana, the Yellowstone ecosys-
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tem and central Idaho as three core wolf recovery areas. On November 22, 1994, the Service designated portions of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming as two nonessential experimental population areas for the gray wolf under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (59 FR 60252, Nov. 22, 1994; 59 FR 60266). In 1995 and 1996, the Service reintroduced wolves from southwestern Canada into these areas (Bangs and Fritts 1996, pp. 407–409; Fritts et al. 1997, p. 7; Bangs et al. 1998, pp. 785–786). Thirty-five wolves were released in central Idaho’s Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness area and thirty-one wolves were released in Yellowstone National Park. These wolves were expected to help establish a regionwide wolf population in addition to the newly established wolf packs in northwest Montana. Scientists anticipated that the northern Rockies subpopulation would become connected to the Canadian wolf population. Today, the number of wolves in the region has grown to approximately 1500 although routine connectivity with the Canadian wolf population has not been secured. On February 8, 2007, the Service published a proposed rule to establish and delist the Northern Rocky Mountain Distinct Population Segment (“DPS”) of gray wolves. Many of the listed organizations also submitted comments regarding the February 8th proposal on or before the initial comment period deadline of May 8, 2007. The Service is expected to publish the final rule to delist wolves in the northern Rockies at around the time of this printing in March. (See www. wolfcenter.org for that result).
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Wolves have begun to restore natural balance to the areas that are reoccupying, by culling weak and diseased elk, deer, and other prey, and dispersing elk away from sensitive wetlands and meadows they were over-browsing.
successfully reduce the limited but inevitable wolf predation on livestock to manageable levels, and are compensated for most losses that do occur by Defenders or their state compensation program. Wolf-related tourism in the Yellowstone region has generated more than $35 million annually for local communities in recent years.
Wolf-related tourism in the Yellowstone region has generated more than $35 million annually.
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On November 19, 2007, IDFG released a draft Idaho Wolf Population Plan that would be implemented after wolves are removed from the protection of the Endangered Species Act. This draft plan: • Establishes wolf management objectives based on conflicts with elk and livestock yet fails to define conflict or how levels of conflict are determined; • Seeks to reduce the wolf population by establishing an objective of 15 breeding pairs; • Establishes a minimum wolf population of 104 wolves, down from 800 existing wolves today.
State Wolf Conservation Objectives The normal purpose of a wildlife population management plan is to secure abundant and viable wildlife populations. As such, wildlife harvest plans are typically based on population surplus. The IDFG plan, however, bases wolf harvest levels on conflicts with elk and livestock and focuses exclusively on reducing the wolf population, not securing it. It aims to reduce wolf numbers where there are “unacceptable impacts” as directed by the Idaho Wolf Conservation Management Plan. Moreover, the plan fails to explain or limit the phrase “unacceptable conflict” in any way; so again, this is a virtually unlimited authorization to kill wolves by sport hunting and other, unspecified, means. The plan does not seek to harvest wolves as much as it seeks to treat wolves as just a predator, without harvest
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Wolves have begun to restore natural balance to the areas they are reoccupying, by culling weak and diseased elk, deer, and other prey, and dispersing elk away from sensitive wetlands and meadows they were over-browsing. Elk populations remain high, however, and are more than sufficient to meet hunter demand. Ranchers are learning to
Giving Tips What is a Will?
A will is a legally executed document that directs how and to whom a person’s property is to be distributed after death.
value. For example, if this were truly a harvest plan, it would focus on trapping wolves during the winter when their pelts are in good condition and would only allow the killing of surplus animals. Killing wolves in the spring and fall would be for the purpose of killing alone; it would not be for the purpose of salvaging anything from the kill. Idaho state officials claim they want to manage wolves like they manage other wildlife, but the facts speak for themselves. There are 3,000 mountain lions, 20,000 black bears and more than 100,000 elk in Idaho – yet the management plans of these other big game species are not based on ungulate or livestock conflict, and IDFG has given no reason why this is the case for wolves. The selection of the above criteria as the basis of the plan is not justified, and seems arbitrary and capricious. The state plans to kill all but a few hundred wolves would limit the state’s wolf
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If this were truly a harvest plan, it would focus on trapping wolves during the winter when their pelts are in good condition and would only allow the killing of surplus animals. Killing wolves in the spring and fall would be for the purpose of killing alone; it would not be for the purpose of salvaging anything from the kill.
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population to just 15 breeding pairs, placing an unjustified and artificial limitation on the population and risking the future of wolves in the state.
Instead of focusing so heavily on reducing wolf numbers, the plan should contain in-depth consideration of prey population dynamics, pack structure, illegal take and other mortality factors. The draft plan does not address these important criteria for setting population harvest levels or describe how the population will be monitored in a manner that protects the wolf population from dropping below 15
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breeding pairs. Without these criteria in place, the plan’s aggressive control level will lead to fragmentation and create instability within the population. This instability would lead to more conflicts as it disrupts the wolf pack’s social unit. Allowing the alphas or breeding pair of a pack to be killed often results in the disbanding of the pack (Brainerd et al 2006). If key members of a stable wolf pack are killed, remaining pack members that are unable to adequately hunt wild prey (e.g. pups and sub adults) are more likely to kill livestock. The pack’s territory then becomes a high conflict area and even more wolves are killed. This scenario, if replicated widely, would lead to unsustainable and fragmented wolf population levels. If a primary purpose of the plan is to reduce conflicts due to livestock losses, the plan must incorporate nonlethal, proactive methods or incentives to effectively resolve or prevent wolf depredations. By increasing assistance to livestock owners to implement animal husbandry practices (e.g. carcass and sick livestock removal when feasible) and preventative measures where appropriate, IDFG can play an important role in managing for fewer conflicts and promoting wolf conservation. Adding practical, proactive and nonlethal deterrent information in IDFG education and outreach materials could help to greatly reduce wolf related conflicts. Under the current plan, however, hunting would be allowed across the entire state except for one to two temporary wolf viewing areas. Even here, ranching, elk hunting, and outfitting still have priority over wildlife watching. This is not an appropriate balance. Each IDFG Region should designate one or more permanent areas where watching wildlife is prioritized over other uses. The department can also fill an
Givi ng Tips What is a Life Insurance Trust?
A Life Insurance Trust is usually set up for the purpose of excluding the proceeds of life insurance from the insureds and the spouse of the insureds estate for death tax purposes. It is an irrevocable trust.
important role in assisting local communities and entrepreneurs in developing wolf watching areas that lead to positive economic gain through increased tourism revenue as currently occurring in the Yellowstone region. The suggestion that outfitters in these areas are eligible for financial compensation to offset differential losses suggests a transfer of ownership of Idaho elk from the state to outfitters. Not only is this contrary to Idaho law, which states that all 7 / WERC / WINTER 2008
wildlife belongs to the state, it also represents a threat to all Idaho wildlife and to all Idaho hunters, who may be next in line to reimburse outfitters for lost hunting opportunities. The draft plan fails to describe adequately emergency measures for changing from control-focused management to conservation management to preserve the population’s stability, integrity, and connectivity with other wolf populations in the region. The final plan must identify how the wolf population will be monitored to ensure that its long-term viability, connectivity to wolf populations in adjacent states
Regional elk numbers have increased in some areas despite a growing wolf population.
“ “ and Canada, and ecological function are maintained as the primary purpose for a wolf population management plan.
As the current plan allows the state wolf population to drop to 104 wolves, this would almost certainly trigger a need for emergency relisting of federal protection for the regional wolf population. The dispersal of wolves from Idaho to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is one of the most important aspects of the experimental population and of wolf recovery, yet both the Beaverhead and Upper Snake Data Analysis Units (DAU) have very low breeding pair objectives, 0-1 and 1-3 respectively. To date there is no documentation of genetically relevant wolf dispersal between Central Idaho and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and with these low objectives any chance of this will be removed. The wolf plan should seek tto maintain genetic diversity. Therefore the breeding pair o objective in these two DAUs should be among the highest iin the state, not among the lowest.
The Status of Idaho’s Elk Population T Idaho elk populations and hunter harvest levels are at or near all time highs (IDF&G Project W-170-R-30, Elk Surveys and Inventories, July 1, 2005 – June 30, 2006; see “There’s plenty of game out there this season — you just need to find it”, Idaho Statesman, August 30, 2007). IDFG’s primary concerns center on elk harvest in Region 2, and more specifically on four hunting zones comprised of ten individual hunting units. IDFG data from 1988 to the present demonstrates a historical fluctuation in elk numbers within Region 2. These natural peaks and valleys occurred long before wolves were established in this area. Using the most current data from IDFG (Clearwater Region Sightability Estimates, Updated 2/26/07, Clay Hickey, IDFG, via email) regional elk numbers have increased in some areas despite a growing wolf population. Biologists have determined that habitat, not predation, is the main cause of elk population decline. Since 2001, hunter harvest and elk
References Cited
stone National Park and central Idaho. Restoration Ecology 5:7-27
Bangs, EE, and SH Fritts. 1996. Reintroducing the gray wolf to central Idaho and Yellowstone National Park. Wildlife Society Bulletin 24:402-413
Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Effects of Wolf Predation on North Central Idaho Elk Populations. December 20, 2005
Bangs, EE, SH Fritts, JA Fontaine, DW Smith, KM Murphy, CM Mack, and CC Niemeyer. 1998. Status of gray wolf restoration in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. Wildlife Society Bulletin 26:785-798 Benson, S. Jan 12, 2007. Scientists: Wolves not decimating elk herds. Idaho Mountain Express Brainerd, SM, H Andren, EE Bangs, E Bradley, J Fontaine, W Hall, Y Iliopoulos, J Jimenez, E Jozwiak, O Liberg, C Mack, T Meier, C Niemeyer, HC Petersen, H Sand, R Schultz, DW Smith, P Wabakken, and A Wydeven. 2006. (In Press). Effects of alpha wolf (Canis lupus) loss on reproduction and pack dynamics. Journal of Wildlife Management
Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Project W-170-R-30, Elk Surveys and Inventories July 1, 2005 – June 30, 2006. https://research.idfg.idaho.gov/wildlife/Wildlife%20Technical%20Reports/Elk%20PR06.pdf Kie, JG. 2006. Review of Effects of Wolf Predation on North Central Idaho Elk Populations. Research Professor Department of Biological Sciences Idaho State University Pocatello, ID Leege, TA, and WO Hickey. 1977. Elk-snow-habitat relationships in the Pete King Drainage, Idaho. Wildlife Bulletin No. 6. Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Boise, USA
Clearwater Elk Initiative FAQ sheet. 2003. Clearwater National Forest
Miller, J. September 22 2006. Feds Reject Idaho Plan to Kill Wolves. The Associated Press
Clearwater Region Sightability Estimates, Updated 2/26/07. Via email From Clay Hickey, IDFG
Philips, R. August 30, 2007. There’s plenty of game out there this season — you just need to find it. Idaho Statesman
Duffield, JW, CJ Neher, DA Patterson 2006. Integrating LandscapeScale Economic and Ecological Models in the Greater Yellowstone Area: Application to Wolf Recovery
Ripple, WJ, RL Beschta, 2004. Wolves, elk, willows, and trophic cascades in the upper Gallatin Range of Southwestern Montana USA.
8th Biennial Scientific Conference on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Proceedings Edited by Alice Wondrak Biel Fritts, SH, EE Bangs, JA Fontaine, MR Johnson, MK Phillips, ED Koch, and JR Gunson 1997. Planning and implementing a reintroduction of wolves to Yellow-
Forest Ecology and Management 200:161-181 Robbins, J. February 6, 2007. For Wolves, a Recovery May Not Be the Blessing It Seems. New York Times. Smith, DW. 2005. Ten years of Yellowstone wolves, 1995–2005. Yellowstone Science 13(1):7–33.
SAWTOOTH PACK ALPHA MALE PASSES AWAY A TRIBUTE TO MOTOMO The Wolf Education and Research Center is sad to announce the passing of Motomo, the long-time alpha-male of the Sawtooth Pack. Motomo was found deceased on the morning of Saturday, October 6th near one of his favorite resting places. He was apparently walking toward one of his favorite daybeds when he collapsed. His passing appeared peaceful, and there was no indication the other wolves were involved. Although the details of his death are currently being determined by a necropsy at the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, it is clear that some acute, yet severe medical condition, likely linked to his old age, caused his passing. Motomo had been gaining weight and growing his winter undercoat fur lately as the entire pack prepared for the onset of winter. His behavior was also completely normal all the way up to his death. Motomo held the alphamale rank among the pack for nearly the past six years, and will be the last “true” alpha in the Sawtooth Pack’s history. Contrary to his name’s sake, “he who goes first”, Motomo was the last of the elder eight of the Sawtooth Pack. Now, the pair of Piyip and Motoki are the only members to survive Motomo among the pack. Motomo was 15 years old, and will be missed greatly by us all.
-J. Heft
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ter drainage (Leege and Hickey 1977). Until these habitat issues are addressed, killing predators, including wolves, will not secure higher hunter harvest in the region, no matter how many are killed.
The Benefits of Restoring a Healthy Wolf Population numbers have steadily increased in the Selway zone. In the Elk City zones, hunter numbers have remained steady with an increase in harvest of both bull and cow elk, and in unit 10A harvest of bulls has risen since 1999 with cow harvest remaining steady. In the Lolo zone, after a drop off hunter and harvest numbers have increased since 1999. (IDF&G, Project W-170-R-30, Elk Surveys and Inventories July 1, 2005 – June 30, 2006). The premise that wolves are degrading hunter opportunity and success cannot be shown by IDF&G data. In regard to elk calf mortality by predators, IDFG has conducted a study over the last four years funded by federal appropriations concerning predator manipulation (increased predator harvest) in several zones in Region 2. At the December 13th, 2007 Boise wolf plan meeting, IDFG biologist Jon Rachel described this study as the most in-depth study of any elk population in the world. He acknowledged that habitat is the over-riding limiting factor in regard to elk in this region but stated that repairing habitat was too expensive and would take a long period of time to achieve. Over the last seven years, IDFG also increased black bear and mountain lion harvest in the region. The results of the increased harvest showed no evidence of a measurable increase in the elk population or in calf to cow ratios. Results from different zones contradicted each other in calf mortality as well as the general population. IDF&G has labeled all of Region 2 as either high or moderate conflict areas for wolves with elk. Looking at the elk population in the Elk City Zone since 1988, there has been a steady increase in total population in all units (14, 15 & 16). In the Dworshak zone, unit 10A, since 1996 there has been an increase in elk population. In the Lolo, an area of great concern, unit 10 has shown an increase from 2643 total elk in 2003 to 3452 in 2006 with a calf/cow ratio of 29.4. Unit 12 in the Lolo zone has experienced a continued decline in elk since long before wolves appeared. Starting in 1985, when the elk population was 4767 with a calf/cow ratio of 30.1, the unit has had a straight drop in population to where it is now 1658 in total population with a calf/cow ratio of 20.1. In spite of these falling elk numbers, hunter numbers and harvest have increased steadily since 2000. The situation that has plagued unit 12 in the Lolo is shared with the Selway zone (units 16A, 17, 19 & 20). The typical straight-line and or population fluctuations and decline 9 / WERC / WINTER 2008
started long before wolves appeared. Yet again, after a drop off in hunter numbers and harvest in 2001, there has been a steady increase in both hunter numbers and harvest in the Selway. (IDF&G, Project W-170-R-30, Elk Surveys and Inventories July 1, 2005 – June 30, 2006). In 2005, IDFG proposed to kill up to 75% of the wolves in the Clearwater Lolo District, and then maintain low wolf numbers for a five year period, in order to increase hunter harvest of elk. However, as IDFG’s own peer reviewers
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Wolves have helped reduce overgrazing by record-high elk populations by dispersing elk across more of their habitat, resulting in re-growth of native plants like aspen and willow along streambeads where they provide shade and food for native fish and song birds.
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noted in regard to the Clearwater wolf control proposal, scientific evidence points to habitat problems, not predation, as the noted University of Idaho wildlife scientist, many elk populations across the Western states tended to experience peaks in the late 1980s through the mid-1990s and declines since that time. He stated that “elk populations across the upper Clearwater apparently peaked in the late 1980s, after which both surveys of numbers and of cow-calf ratios showed declines. This occurred well before the introduction of wolves.” He also stated “there is very little evidence that the presence of wolves has caused a decline in elk numbers anywhere, especially in Central Idaho” and “[t]here is no evidence that wolves have decimated elk populations throughout Idaho” (Benson 2007).
Wolves were reintroduced to Idaho to restore their important role in nature, which is never more evident than by the wolf’s keen skill in culling weak and diseased elk and deer. Scientists are documenting the positive benefits that are occurring throughout our region due to the return of the wolf. For example, wolves have helped reduce overgrazing by record-high elk populations by dispersing elk across more of their habitat, resulting in re-growth of native plants like aspen and willow along streambeds where they provide shade and food for native fish and song birds (Ripple & Beschta 2004, Smith 2005). Yet elk populations and harvest levels remain at or close to record highs compared to recent decades. Wolf-related tourism in Yellowstone has resulted in a 35 million dollar annual increase in revenue for our regional economy (Duffield et al 2006). Unfortunately, this information is not presented adequately in IDFG public communications concerning wolves. It is important to address these benefits and others when doing balanced public outreach and providing information.
Summary Most Idaho ranchers never have losses to wolves but those who do are often finding ways to reduce their losses through proactive, nonlethal methods. Ranchers, wildlife supporters, biologists and others are working collaboratively to implement these measures and manage conflicts. Partnering organizations like Defenders of Wildlife and the state of Idaho are reimbursing ranchers for wolf-related livestock losses to help reduce the impacts of those losses. Most people recognize that wolves are once again part of our native wildlife heritage and are here to stay. We can co-exist with them, and we are finding better ways to do so every year. Yet in the face of all this good news, IDFG put forth a wolf hunting plan with a goal of dramatical-
ly reducing Idaho’s wolf population by aerial gunning and hunting in zones across the state.. There is no justification for killing so many wolves in our state’s most pristine wilderness area, where no livestock graze and strong elk populations thrive. We ask that IDFG modify this plan to support a healthy, thriving wolf population in numbers that information about the benefits of a healthy wolf population. Even with these changes to improve the plan, there is one major obstacle that must be first addressed: The plan is superseded by the state legislature’s wolf management plan that calls for 15 packs of wolves to be managed at recovery levels after delisting and maintains the state’s official position that all wolves should be removed “by any means necessary.” In addition, Idaho Governor Butch Otter’s January 2007 declaration that Idaho will seek to kill as many wolves as possible serves only to reinforce doubts regarding Idaho’s intention to protect its wolf population. See “For Wolves, a Recovery May Not Be the Blessing It Seems” New York Times, February 6, 2007 (“In Idaho, the governor is ready to have hunters reduce the wolf population in the state from 650 to 100, the minimum that will keep the animal off the endangered species list.”). These discrepancies and unfortunate overall hostility toward wolves undermines the public’s confidence and trust in IDFG as a manager of the state’s wolf population. We urge IDFG to take advantage of this opportunity to amend this plan to demonstrate the agency’s commitment to managing for a healthy, viable, and abundant wolf population. Note: The Wolf Education & Research Center works toward these types of reports that lead to greater public understanding of these complex issues. We do this through the generous support from our members and supporters and in collaboration with the organizations mentioned in this letter. Special thanks to WERC staff member, Nick Fiore, for his research of the wolf impact on elk populations, most often using the IDF&G’s own information.
IDFG more recently acknowledged that weed infestation, reduced logging, and a lack of fire (natural or prescribed) have caused habitat problems for elk herds and elk calf survival. Shrub fields are commonly believed to be one of the most important wintering habitats for elk in the ClearwaWINTER 2008 / WERC / 10
EYE POSITION J Heft, WERC
“Don’t look a wolf in their eye!” …..How many times have you heard this popular myth? Even some experienced biologists believe this before visiting the Sawtooth Pack. The truth is that wolves use eye position as an important form of communication, both within their pack and toward other animals around them (like us). Gray wolves will look one another in the eye, as humans do, when communicating a greeting, dominance behaviors, and other social gestures. Wolf handlers at WERC are taught very early, even before meeting the pack, to look into the pack member’s eyes when greeting. This allows the wolves opportunity to examine the emotions or mental state of the handler, a process that can be difficult to perceive from humans absent facial postures. Wolves communicate regularly through subtle and sometimes dramatic facial postures, however, humans have become quite stoic in facial postures through time probably because of our heavy dependency on verbal communication. Still, most humans maintain very subtle posturing through their eyes, a trait captive wolves can learn to decipher. Hence, eye contact with any canine, from your dog to a wild wolf, is a beneficial action that promotes social communication and bonding. There may be times when eye contact is not appropriate with an unknown canine that exhibits potential hostile behaviors, such as growling and snarling. The process of avoiding direct eye contact, known as averting gaze, will show the aggressive canine that you mean to avoid a fight. In wolves, a submissive wolf regularly averts gaze when a dominant wolf attempts a dominant display toward them. During drastic submissive displays, the submissive wolf will even open their eyes wide when averting gaze, thus showing the whites of their eyes. This behavior is thought to be the most dramatic of submissive eye postures. Another behavior to avoid with unknown canines, 11 / WERC / WINTER 2008
WINTER 2008 / WERC / 12
especially wolves, is the fixed (aggressive) stare directly into their eyes. Such a stare is a blatant challenge of that canine’s rank and social status. If performed toward a dominant wolf, a reciprocal challenge and fight is likely to ensue. High ranking wolves use this technique to assert their rank over submissive pack members or as a challenge to another trespassing wolf pack.
observed communication techniques, it is also one of the simplest forms of communication.
…more
WOLF BEHA VIOR 101
at a relaxed state, or pointing straight toward the ground. Most mid-ranking wolves maintain T3 tails. A T3.5 tail is when the tail points at the ground like a T3, however the tail is pressed against the back of the hind legs in this lower rank posture.
Most humans unknowingly use eye posture to communicate with one another, or canines, just as wolves do. Think back to the last time you found yourself in close proximity to an aggravated or aggressive dog. You averted your gaze, right? Or the last time you disciplined your dog for an inappropriate behavior. Did you stare at them while reprimanding them? Wolves use this same eye posturing as an important communication tool, and if used properly, humans can more effectively communicate with canines around us every day.
TAIL POSTURE One of the most obvious communication postures observed in wolves is tail position. Although the positioning of the tail is one of the most frequently
There are two specific styles of tail wagging that wolves perform: rigid or fluid movement. A rigid tail (like a pendulum) wag means the wolf is excited and has dominant tendencies. A fluid, or snake-like wag typically is a signal of play or greeting toward other pack members. The elevation and movement of each wolf’s tail work together to describe the behavior of each individual. So, a wolf who is rigidly wagging a T1 tail is exhibiting intense dominance, however a wolf fluidly wagging a T3 tail is probably soliciting social play with other pack members.
There are two factors to evaluate when discussing tail posture: elevation and movement. The elevation of the tail correlates to the hierarchy rank of the individual, generally the higher the tail placement the higher the wolf’s rank. Erich Klinghammer and Pat Goodman (from Wolf Park) described five different tail heights that have become the standard in explaining all tail positions. As Klinghammer and Goodman described in their Wolf Ethogram, a T1 tail posture is when the tail is at full height, pointing straight up in the air. This position is typically reserved for the alpha-pair of the pack. A T2 tail is when the tail extends in a straight line pointing away from the body, parallel with the spine and ground. This position is usually utilized by beta-males and other high ranking members. A T3 tail occurs when the tail is held
13 / WERC / WINTER 2008
there is an increase of energy or excitement occurs.
Have a canine behavior you are curious about? Send possible future Wolf Behavior 101 topics to jeremy.heft@wolfcenter.org.
Finally, a T4 tail, which is usually reserved for omegas, is when the tail is tucked against the abdomen between the legs. Each individual wolf can alter their tail posture as necessary to communicate their dominance or submission. For example, a midranking wolf may display a T2 tail when near an omega, but then quickly change the posture to a T3 or T3.5 if an alpha approaches the area. The movement of an individual’s tail is also an important communication factor. Wolves wag their tails like dogs, however contrary to most dog owners; we do not describe the behaviors as a sign of happiness. Generally, wolves wag their tails when
Wolves can alter their tail posture rapidly in order to maintain coherent communication within the pack structure. Tail posture is an important tool wolves use to maintain hierarchy stability through accurate communication.
G i v i n g Ti ps Options for an Out of Luck Real Estate Owner A real advantage to giving appreciated property to a charitable organization is the avoidance of capital gains. However, if the property to be donated has lost value, the taxpayer may do better to sell the asset and donate the proceeds to the charity. The taxpayer receives the charitable deduction for the money value of the donation and may take the loss on the sale of the property. WINTER 2008 / WERC / 14
A Tribute to..
MOTOMO
Nez Perce, He Who Goes First
WILDLIFE - COLORING PAGE X COLORING PAGE ....................... 18
The Wolves Den for Children
X WOLF PUZZLE WORD SEARCH .................. 19
X WERC EDUCATION CURRICULUM ......... 20
Wolf Education & Research Center W E R C I S D E D I C AT E D T O P R O V I D I N G T R A I N I N G I N I T S E D U C AT I O N P R O G R A M S .
education
Education at WERC comes in many forms. Educating adults is just as important as educating young people. Visit the website at www.wolfcenter.org to stay tuned on new education programs for children.
C a n Th er e E v e r B e En ou gh Nick Fiore, WERC
Regardless of the outcome concerning the upcoming 10J rule change and delisting of the wolf, education about wildlife and the environment will always be needed. As WERC’s mission statement calls for public outreach and education about the wolf and its habitat, the emphasis being on the word habitat, not only for the wolf, but for all wildlife that share in America’s dwindling wilderness. As the Center moves forward into a new phase of its existence, our members and supporters will begin to see this push towards educating the public about an entire ecosystem as opposed to only 17 / WERC / WINTER 2008
the wolf. Typically in the past the organization used the winter months to reload its education programs for the following spring, summer and fall seasons. That is now a thing of the past. Taking an aggressive role this winter, WERC has scheduled a number of programs in Idaho and Washington that range from preschool to collegiate level, to places such as the Pullman Discovery Center in Washington and the Lewiston Historical Museum in Idaho. One of the keystones of this new direction will be the opportunity for our members to actually get
involved directly with education programs. With the advent of “Sponsor a School” you could bring a WERC program right into your child’s classroom. But it does not end there. To provide Continued on page 20...
www.wolfcenter.org WINTER 2008 / WERC / 18
WOLF PUZZLE - MATCH ANIMALS Center’s newly released online education program. Based on the Project Wild curriculum, educators will have an opportunity to download lesson plans and activities that tie in habitat and wildlife education with general studies. The lesson plans offered meet the no child left behind requirements.
Match the animals with their babies.
spider
cub
bear
spiderling
frog
tadpole
deer
caterpillar
owl
joey
For more information about all of WERC’s education opportunities and programs please contact Chris Anderson at Chris.Anderon@ wolfcenter.org. these programs around the country, the Center will be looking for former teachers, current teachers and education majors to be part of our extended education staff. As the program is in its infancy we ask that you keep an eye out for future developments on the WERC website as well as upcoming Sawtooth Legacy Quarterly publications. As you stop by the WERC website home page take a look at our education section. You will find the
butterfly
kangaroo
fawn
owlet
bird
calf
wolf
chick
elephant
pup
19 / WERC / WINTER 2008
WERC EDUCATION CURRICULUM RESOURCES The Wolf Education & Research Center, a privately funded 501(c)3 non profit organization, recognizes the importance of education to people young and old alike. It is with great pleasure that the Center offers educators, an opportunity to have WERC’s staff visit your classroom and share in a wonderful day of fun activities while applying the lessons of nature to required daily subject matter. The Center’s education programs are made possible by members, sponsors and other supporters that understand the value of a well rounded education experience. The Wolf Education and Research Center (WERC) has adopted the Project Wild Curriculum. This curriculum focuses on wildlife and habitat and includes No Child Left Behind (NCLB) emphasis. Activities are designed for integration into existing courses of study and instructors may use one or many WERC lesson plans or the entire set of lesson plans, which serve quite effectively for a course of study. These activities range in length and are customizable to the instructor’s needs. Each WERC activity contains all the information needed to conduct that activity including objectives, method, background information, a list of materials needed, procedures, evaluation suggestions, recommended grade levels, subject areas, duration, group size, setting, and key terms. A glossary is provided, as well as a cross-reference by topics and skills.
Support the WERC Education Initiative by becoming an Education Sponser online at www.wolfcenter.org/contribute/sponsor.html. WINTER 2008 / WERC / 20
SUPPORT THE SAWTOOTH LEGACY
The Wolf Education & Research Center’s education initiative is part of an over-all plan to engage our supporters in outreach to future naturalists and wildlife supporters. It is funded by the generous support of its members and there are no costs to utilize our resources or invite our staff to school classrooms.
TARGET: EDUCATION By making a generous donation to the Sawtooth Legacy Target:Education, you’re involved in:
Check out WERC Lesson Plans Online at: WWW.WOLFCENTER.ORG You’ll find many lessons like the one below.
MOTOKI LTURE &
PEOPLE CU
S
PRESSION
FIRST IM WILDLIFE:
, and or stereotype sed on myth -even ba m al te im ys an os ns to ec ns to an s tio tio e bu ac m ri o re nt n tc co u ee s’ O tw imal Learning istinguish be e value of an be able to: D Recognize th n. io at rm Students will fo in on accurate with fear. those based es respond to im et m so le op als. those that pe nge of anim tions of a ra bu ri nt co y ud to st a beginning Method of photos, as y et ri va a to t Students reac der l skills for ol g; additiona ning tin n lis la n, P io r e at h liz c Tea genera ge Arts differences, ience, Langua ilarities and m Subjects: Sc si work, writing p ng ou ri gr pa l s is, com rting, smal po inute period re , ch Skills: analys ar ts: three 30-m ion, rese en pt ri ud sc st r think are de : de ts ol studen udents might e periods; ation st ut e rm in th fo -m e in , m 20 gs so o in uding Duration: tw ronment, feel animals, incl ry: fear, envi a variety of of gs in aw Key Vocabula dr rge photos or ry.” Materials: la think are “sca ht ig m ey th e m so d an “cute” eir second e a spider; th se ey ct, th if il to reco people. In fa tion may be harmless to ac e re d ar t n s rs u er fi id ro ir g sp most Back iders. The ible. And yet don’t like sp ickly as poss qu Many people s. m as te al ys im , y ecos ll the an olves, snakes tors to health may be to ki in people. W rtant contribu ht po s ig fr im gn si e of ar as se s spon ewed spider ly raises a re wever, are vi t res. Bats, ho that frequent e ltu s in differen lif ie cu ild ec of w r sp ly be to species in a num not the on le om op fr pe ry y va an Spiders are may gm it fear amon na. Reactions and bats elic people in Chi e m so g on am als-sepaof good luck different anim to ns tio ac re n and mythtaneous cultures. misinformatio e their spon in on am d ex se ba to e thos for students rience from is designed ion and expe at rm This activity fo s. in m te on ys ecos ns based of animals to rating reactio contributions e th e iz gn a and to reco As you show s of animals. eir nd th ki t to en es er m ff riety of di ord that co va w t a rs of fi e gs th in aw ying Activities photos or dr take turns sa ries of large , ask them to ts en words the ud st Prepare a se of imal and the tire group an e en th e recorders, th of e to m o phot ents serve as rite the na the picture. ud w at st to o lf ok tw lo se t ur ey as they think time yo ve at le minds as th are the words ts, take the students, ha sh en r s ud de er st ol rd r co ith ge re W Let the With youn alkboard. hole group. est on the ch slike or fear rd for the w oa kb students sugg al ch sponse of di e re th a on te ra ds or ne to ge writing the w that seemed se. like. s on the list al im rable respon an vo e fa of too, if they th y lly tif ra en ne id ge to d r an ents Ask the stud rate a popula emed to gene se at th e os and th
21 / WERC / WINTER 2008
• • • • • •
Intern Recruiting & Development On-Site Educational Programs Partnerships with the National Park Service Off-Site local educational outreach Ongoing curriculum development And most important... ...training tomorrow’s leaders!
Your gift to WERC makes these items possible. There are three important ways to support the Sawtooth Legacy Target:Education:
PIYIP
PIYIP
• Donate $150 per school within 60 miles of Winchester • Donate $250 to cover any school within 150 miles • Sponsor 10 Schools for $1,500 and become a Sawtooth Legacy Target:Education Member
You’ll receive a Certificate and bumper sticker identifying you as a Sawtooth Legacy Target:Education Supporter or Member.
WINTER 2008 / WERC / 22
X MEET OUR INTERN ................................. 24
WERC RESEARCH
behavior and the workings of the hierarchy and pack management spurs questions and stories that are enlightening. But it is the direct contact with the pack that has had the most impact on me. A month after my arrival I am taking my first steps, with Jeremy and the other girls, into the enclosure. We are very cautious and as Piyip and Motoki approach; I see them for the
X NORTH AMERICAN WOLF CONFERENCE ................................. 25
X ADOPT A WOLF ...... 26
Wolf Education & Research Center CONTRIBUTE TO WERC BY BECOMING AN INTERN, V O L U N T E E R I N G O R D O N AT I N G !
research
Your support is crucial and we appreciate your demonstration of confidence in us. Help WERC in the forefront of the fight to preserve Wolves around the region and world.
Silent Night Leah Kramer, Winter Intern
Night fell hours ago on the home of the Sawtooth Pack: Wolves of the Nez Perce, and camp is quiet other than the wind through the Ponderosa and the crackle of my wood stove starting to heat my walled tent. I have made my home here for the past month and can’t even believe that I will be leaving it at the beginning of March to head back to the east coast. The remainder of the pack, siblings Piyip and Motoki, have already surpassed my expectations for hands on learning, and the staff of WERC has been more than accommodating to my goals of my internship with the organization. My name is Leah Kramer Heyman, a recent graduate of the Audubon Expedition Institute of Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. My fascination of wolves started in my hometown of Sharon, MA at the age of twelve when my class was required to read the book “Julie of the Wolves” 23 / WERC / WINTER 2008
by Jean Craige George. The book is about a young independent Inuit woman who runs away onto the tundra of Alaska and is saved by a pack of wolves. While the story is fiction, the description of the pack hierarchy and bond would shape my life and peak my interest for years to come. Now ten years later I still find myself fascinated with the pack, within the 20 acres of the enclosure and beyond. This week I am joined by Jessica Collins, a former intern here for a visit, and Hilary Zaranek, a practicum student. My education through Jeremy and other WERC members grows each day even when I am the lone intern. Between learning how to maintain camp and participate in public educational activities, I am learning how this organization works and about the west’s growing wolf population.
first time without the fence between us. While they do not greet, their presence is overpowering. Piyip walks several feet behind me as we break the trail though the meadow. Hilary and I examine first hand the size of one of twelve dens in the enclosure. Even in the cold of the Idaho winter, the sandy home is away from the wind, warm with its sunny southern exposure. Hidden trails and meadows open up as we continue to explore and ask questions, and before we know it, we are walking through the fence back to camp. I still have two more months to explore new ideas and ask more questions, but I wonder if that will ever be enough.
INTERN APPLICATION DEADLINES
WERC is committed to enhancing the experience of our interns and deepening their education experience. Over the years, WERC interns have contributed to programs in immeasurable ways. From the first night to the last morning I am looking forward to hearing the pack howl me awake and asleep. While the snow continues to fall I hope that each person who I encounter over the next few months here at Wolf Camp will be as touched as I am by these amazing creatures and will go away with a better understanding of their biology and history, past, present and possible future. I leave this update of wolf camp with a writing call “Wolf Credo” by Del Geoetz 1988: Respect your elders Teach the young Cooperate with the pack Play when you can Hunt when you must Rest in between Share your affections Voice your feelings Leave your mark
Smile.
MEET OUR INTERN Leah Kramer Heyman,
Summer 2008 - March 7, 2008 Fall 2008 - May 23, 2008 Winter 2008/09 - August 22, 2008 Spring 2009 - November 28, 2008 This is a unique opportunity working with wolves. The rewards and growth that we offer through this program will be a once in a lifetime experience that will remain with you forever. Political conversations with staff and locals has shed a whole new light on what was only a written reality in my world, reintroduction of the wolves in this part of the county. Sitting in the well-insulated cook shed, talks of wolf
If you are seriously interested and feel you can make this type of commitment, please fill out the questionnaire and application online at www.wolfcenter.org.
Winter Intern Leah is a 22-year-old recent graduate of the Audubon Expedition Institute at Lesley University with a B.S. in Environmental Science and a concentration in education. She grew up in Sharon, Massachusetts where she was immersed in respect for the natural world and learned to love to play outside as well. She is no greenhorn to the non-profit sector working with the Fresh Air Society and the Chewonki Foundation. She is having a wonderful time doing hands on learning at camp and looking forward to more education opportunities with WERC through outreach programs in local schools. She hopes that this amazing experience will open up new opportunities and ideas for the future.
WINTER 2008 / WERC / 24
North American Wolf Conference April 8-10, 2008 Chico Hot Springs Resort in Pray, MT Registration Now Open! Sign up by clicking on the registration link at www.wolfcenter.org.
WOLF EDUCATION & RESEARCH CENTER Help keep WERC in the forefront of the fight to preserve Wolves around the region and world by supporting the Wolf Education & Research Center and the effort to provide public information and research by:
Adopting a Wolf .........................$25 Annual Donation OR Adopting the Sawtooth Pack ....$50 Annual Donation
• • • •
The conference serves as a bridge to bring together leading wolf biologists, conservationists, livestock owners, depredation specialists, educators and state, tribal and federal wolf managers to share information ranging from ecological and genetic research, nonlethal techniques to reduce livestock conflicts, to economic and environmental impacts of wolf restoration. The conference is hosted by Defenders of Wildlife.
Adoption Certificate 8.5” x 11” Image of Wolves Quarterly Sawtooth Legacy News Bumper Sticker
* adoptions auto renew as memberships after first year
Become a Member of the Pack by donating to WERC:
SAWTOOTH PACK GENERAL MEMBERSHIP
ADOPT A WOLF Share your appreciation for wolves and the wilderness with the friends and family on your gift list. You will be helping to educate the world and giving your loved ones a truly meaningful gift. Your gift will keep WERC in the forefront of the fight to preserve Wolves around the region and world. Adopt Motomo, Motoki, or Piyip for one year........$25.00
Quarterly subscription to the Sawtooth Legacy News Unlimited Admission for Member or Family Personalized Member packet that includes an 8.5” x 11” image of each member of the Sawtooth Pack Discounts on Merchandise
Adoption Certificate 8.5” x 11” Image of Wolves Quarterly Sawtooth Legacy News Bumper Sticker
25 / WERC / WINTER 2008
• • • •
*adoptions auto renew as memberships after first year
• •
Adopt a Wolf or the Sawtooth Pack with WERC and in the first year, you’ll receive an Adoption Kit that includes: • • • •
Individual .......... $150.00
Adoptions include one wolf of the Sawtooth Pack: Wolves of the Nez Perce.
Adoption includes all wolves from Alpha male Motomo, Alpha female Motoki, and Mid-ranking male Piyip.
City ______________________________________ State ___________________Postal Code ________ Country ___________________________________
Family .........$125.00
SAWTOOTH PACK ALPHA MEMBERSHIP
Adopt the Sawtooth Pack for one year...................$50.00
__________________________________________
Email _____________________________________ • • • •
You can help in the ongoing care for the Sawtooth Pack: Wolves of the Nez Perce by adopting our three remaining wolves.
Address ___________________________________
Phone ____________________________________
Individual .......... $75.00
Former presenters include Ed Bangs, Jamie Rappaport Clark, Lu Carbyn, Bud Fazio, William Lynn, L. David Mech, Marco Musiani, Paul Paquet, Steven Fritts, Doug Smith, Dave Parsons, Robert Wayne, Vic Van Ballenberghe and Carita Bergman.
SAWTOOTH ADOPT A WOLF
Share your appreciation for wolves and the wilderness with the friends and family on your gift list or become a Member today and your tax-deductible donation will help deliver educational messages about wolves to people around the world. It will also help us continue to care for the ambassadors of wolf conservation, the Sawtooth Pack: Wolves of the Nez Perce. Name _____________________________________
Both Donations Include:
The 20th Annual North American Wolf Conference is moving back to Montana – to the beautiful Paradise Valley.
GIVE A GIFT OF ADOPTION OR MEMBERSHIP
ADOPTIONS MAKE GREAT GIFTS!
Family .........$250.00
Quarterly subscription to the Sawtooth Legacy News Free Unlimited Admissions for you and your guest Personalized Member packet including an 8.5” x 11” image of each member of the Sawtooth pack Two Wolf Education & Research Center T-Shirts (4 for Sawtooth Legacy Family) Discounts on Merchandise Limited quantity print of the Elder Eight
SAWTOOTH LEGACY LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP Lifetime Membership......................................$2,500.00 Lifetime Family or Corporate Membership ..$5,000.00 In addition to the Alpha Membership items, a Legacy Membership recognizes your investment in the future of WERC and our ability to expand our educational programs and role in Wolf Conservation in Idaho and the World. This membership includes a customized plaque recognizing your shared investment in our ability to carry out our mission. This membership includes unlimited visits for the Member and up to 5 guest per year.
My donation enclosed is:
one time gift of $____________ monthly pledge of $_____________ Adopt a Wolf $25.00 Adopt the Sawtooth Pack $50.00 General Membership $_____________ Alpha Membership $_____________ Lifetime Membership $_____________
T-Shirt Sizes (specify quantity): Children’s Sizes: __sm __med __lg Adult Sizes: __sm __med __lg __xl __xxl Payment Method: MasterCard
Visa
Check/MoneyOrder
Please make checks payable to: Wolf Education and Research Center 111 Main Street, Suite 150 Lewiston, Idaho 83501 Fax: 888-422-1110 Credit Card# _____________________________ Exp. Date ____________ CSV Code _________ Signature ________________________________ The Wolf Education & Research Center is a 501(c)(3)
WINTER 2008 / WERC / 26
X WERC VISITOR’S CENTER ................. 27
VISITOR’S CENTER SAWTOOTH PACK WOLVES OF THE NEZ PERCE
X WERC MERCHANDISE ...... 29
X VISITOR’S CENTER HOURS .................... 30
Wolf Education & Research Center T H E V I S I T O R C E N T E R I N C L U D E S D I S P L AY S & I N F O R M AT I O N A B O U T T H E S A W T O O T H PA C K .
center
MOTOMO Nez Perce, He Who Goes First Guides and Naturalists are available to answer your questions and to help you gain insight to wolves, wildlife, nature, and other cultures’ views.
We know that wolves are very family structured, as most Native American cultures are. The Nez Perce lodge pole longhouse was the largest and probably the most important of the four structures they built. 27 / WERC / WINTER 2008
They were large enough to house the extended families under one roof. Imagine living with your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and your brothers and sisters under one roof. So on three-hundred acres of Nez Perce tribal land that we lease, we share the unity of the family. This is the type of structure that the explorers Lewis and Clark were welcomed into back around 1805 when the Nez Perce first contacted them during this part of the journey. It is fitting that this is where the staff, interns,
Because of the insulation method and placement in relationship to the sun, the Visitor Center stays very comfortable even in the middle of the summer. During the winter months, a portable heater takes the chill out of the air and provides warmth to the hands and feet of those returning from seeing the pack. Our front doors are also unique. John Seven Wilson, a Nez Perce artist, carved the two beautiful images on the inside of the doors. We are told that these wooden doors were one of John’s first woodcarving attempts and took about two weeks for each door. His artistic expertise is bone and antler carvings. Hundreds of visitors have pleaded to allow them to take the doors home with them. Inside the Visitor Center visitors can learn about wolves and their environment. Static displays, tracks, graphs and informational posters provide the visitor with answers to many of their questions. Chairs for sitting and a small gift area complete the interior.
WERC Visitor ’s Center As individuals walk down the path from the parking lot, they see a uniquely constructed building, our Visitor Center. It is a replica of a Nez Perce lodge pole longhouse. Although initial site plans, mid 1990’s, showed a visitor center of modern construction, our Visitor Center fits perfectly at the Wolf Education and Research Center for several reasons.
feet wide. They were covered originally with cattail or tulle mats, and in later years by canvas. As a replica, Nez Perce tribal members built this Visitor Center in their traditional ways although there are modern additions such as windows and the concrete type finishing for a roof.
PIYIP Nez Perce, Little Brother
Although the Visitor Center is over 10 years old and is in need of some repairs, it will continue to catch the eye of our visitors as they walk down the path. And it will continue to be the site we welcome you to and offer a unique experience to learn about “The Sawtooth Pack: Wolves of the Nez Perce” and wolves in general.
G i v i ng Ti ps What is a Living Trust?
and volunteers of WERC welcome our visitors throughout the year. Original Nez Perce longhouses were about 150 feet long by 25
MOTOKI Blackfoot, Shadow
A Living Trust is a trust set up to operate during the life (and can operate after the death) of the one setting up the trust. It can be revocable, or, in other words, you can change your mind and have some or all of the trust property returned to you during your life. An irrevocable trust cannot be changed except in certain legal circumstances.
WINTER 2008 / WERC / 28
Item Little Paw Bumper Sticker $2.50 ea.
QTY
Total
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Paw Print Bumper Sticker $2.50 ea.
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Little Paw Explorer Guide $3.00 ea.
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Wolf Tracks Explorer Guide $3.00 ea.
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Wolf Poster $9.95 ea.
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Motomo Photo $4.95 ea.
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WOLF EDUCATION & RESEARCH CENTER M ERC H A N D ISE
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Motoki Photo $4.95 ea.
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Sawtooth Pack Photo $4.95 ea.
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Sawtooth Wolf Photos $17.50 (Four photos)
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To make reservations or obtain more information call (888) 422-1110 Ext. 3.
BUM PER STICKERS
Visit our website at: www.wolfcenter.org for additional information on scheduling reservations.
4” x 6” Choose from Little Paw or Paw Print
Memorial Day to Labor Day: Open daily 9:00 am to 5:00 pm for self-guided tours and general visitation. EXPLORER GU ID ES 5.5” x 8.5” Choose from Little Paw or Wolf Tracks
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Piyip Photo $4.95 ea.
VISITOR’S CENTER HOURS
Guided tours available daily 7:30 am and 7:00 pm except Sunday p.m. and Monday a.m. Call ahead to reserve your place as space is limited for each tour.
Weekends in May and September: Open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm for self-guided tours and general visitation. Guided tours are available these weekends with twenty-four hour notice. If you would like to take a guided tour please call ahead (twenty-four hours) to book your time slot. Same day tours are difficult and may not be available.
Check out the Wolf Education & Research Center Website at:
www.wolfcenter.org FIND:
Up to Date Information on Wolves & the Sawtooth Pack Wolf Camp Journal Wolf Merchandise Available to Order Online Information about the Visitor’s Center
W OLF POSTER CALCULATE YOUR OWN SHIPPING Minimum of $3.00 or 10%, whichever is greater
All Other Times:
18” x 24” Poster
Guided tours are available outside the above listed hours with twenty-four hour notice.
$__________ PAYMENT ENCLOSED Total of all items ordered plus shipping
Regional & National Events Pack Timeline
$__________ Ship Merchandise to: Name: ______________________________ Address: ____________________________ City/State/Zip: ________________________ Email: ______________________________ Phone Number: _______________________ Mail your check or money order to: Wolf Education & Research Center 111 Main St., Rm #150 Lewiston, ID 83501 Allow 2 weeks for delivery within the US. 29 / WERC / WINTER 2008
W OLF PH OTOS 8.5” x 11” Choose from ALL or individual photos of Motomo, Piyip, Motoki, or the Sawtooth Pack
Experience our interactive and informative displays and exhibits in the Visitor Center.
www.wolfcenter.org
VISIT THE WERC WEBSITE
WERC Merchandise Order Form
WINTER 2008 / WERC / 30
WOLF EDUCATION & RESEARCH CENTER 111 Main Street, Suite 150 Lewiston, ID 83501
Check us out online at www.wolfcenter.org.