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Wildlife managers in Idaho approved a plan to slash the state's wolf population by 62 percent over the next two years—from an estimated 1,337 wolves to 500. But scientists and conservation groups say the method the state uses to count wolves drastically overestimates the wolf population.
Suzanne Asha Stone, director of International Wildlife Coexistence Network, told the Idaho Statesman in January that the plan is unnecessary and punitive. “It’s not management when you’re pressuring a wildlife population at such a low level,” Stone said. “That’s just persecution.”
In 2019, Idaho Fish and Game started counting wolves using trail cameras. However, instead of placing cameras randomly across wolf territory, as is considered best practice by scientists, the state placed its cameras along trails and roads where it says wolves are most likely to travel. Critics say that makes Idaho's population estimates inaccurate. In 2021, the Idaho legislature removed limits on how many wolves a hunter or trapper can kill per year.
Why you should care about the Rio Grande
In the latest episode of CWP's podcast, The Landscape, Kate and Aaron are joined by journalist Danielle Prokop and photographer Diana Cervantes to talk about their recent series documenting drought on the Rio Grande River, which runs from Colorado, through New Mexico, to Texas. Danielle and Diana produced the series for Source New Mexico, a statewide non-profit journalism outlet.
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We have always maintained our connection to this place, not by showing or by boasting. It's just that we came here and we did our prayers, we did our songs on the rim. Through that, I think the spirits heard and awoke and said, ‘Yes, you are still here.’”
