Wolf releases in Yellowstone and Idaho may be increased

The first-year success of wolf-recovery programs in Yellowstone National Park and Idaho has so encouraged the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that it announced it may transplant twice as many wolves into the two areas this fall.

Current timetables call for 15 wolves to be released annually in Yellowstone and central Idaho until 10 breeding pairs and 100 individuals are established in each area. Presently, there are 22 wolves in Yellowstone and 15 in Idaho.

Ed Bangs, who oversees the effort, said reintroducing more wolves this fall could end the program early and under budget. He said a decision will be made after he sees his finalized budget in early October.

Meanwhile, the program, "which has been criticized by ranchers and some members of Congress," faces new challenges.

Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Montana) has urged cutting the program's proposed budget of $600,000 by a third and using the money to fight a fisheries disease.

The Wyoming Farm Bureau this fall plans to ask a federal judge in Wyoming to halt the program entirely.

This story compiled by Greenwire