Minimum count a record for the state

By Wisconsin DNR Central Office

MADISON — Wisconsin wolf monitoring data for 2015-2016 is now available on the Department of Natural Resources wolf management web page.

To view this information — found under the “reports” list — and learn more about wolves in Wisconsin, visit dnr.wi.gov, and search keyword “wolf.”

In 2015-2016, monitoring efforts detected an overwinter minimum wolf count of 866-897 and 222 packs, which represents a 16 percent increase from last year’s minimum wolf count of 746-771.

Data available includes the 2015-2016 overwinter minimum wolf count and packs identified during the monitoring period. This data was collected with the assistance of over 100 volunteer trackers. These volunteers contributed almost half of the record 17,759 survey miles in 2015-2016. To learn more about taking part in this monitoring program, search keyword “volunteer” on dnr.wi.gov, and select “wolves and other mammals.”

“Volunteer trackers are a critical component of Wisconsin’s wolf monitoring program, and department staff relies upon their efforts to ensure we have high quality data,” said David MacFarland, DNR large carnivore specialist.

The 2015-2016 minimum count represents the second year of growth and a record high for Wisconsin. Wolf count efforts are conducted in winter when the population reaches its annual low point. Wolf pups born in spring cause population increases, which are followed by reductions resulting from pup and adult mortalities.