A population boom occurred in 1995 after the wolves were reintroduced into Idaho and Yellowstone Park. Numbers have remained large, 900+, and farmers bordering these regions have been forced to kill an estimated 300 of them in protection of herds.

Because of the problems, area federal officials are considering removing wolves from the endangered species list. However, such a stride would keep wolves from federal protection, leaving their management up to the state.

Wild life activists fear state officials will not protect the wolves, possibly leading to wolf eradication in the area.

“Idaho is a national conservation success story when it comes to the wolf,” said Suzanne Stone, the Northern Rockies representative of the Defenders of Wildlife. “It would be a tragedy if the state is allowed to turn back the clock on this enormous accomplishment.”