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Current Status:

The wolf population of northern Wisconsin continues to grow since the setback in the mid-1980s caused by an outbreak of canine parvovirus. The late-winter 1992 estimate was that the Wisconsin wolf population consisted of 40 to 50 wolves in 13 packs. At least five of these packs produced pups in 1992. Pup survival in 1992 looked better than in 1991, when mange seemed to be driving pup mortality above normal levels. At present, the chief threat to the species in Wisconsin is death from human-related causes, both intentional and accidental. Habitat loss and disease are other significant threats.

Achievements:

The revised Eastern Timber Wolf Recovery Plan, completed in 1992, specifies a criterion for reclassifying the Wisconsin wolf population from endangered to the less critical category of threatened: 3 successive years with a late winter population of at least 80 wolves. The Wisconsin wolf population is making excellent progress toward meeting this goal, with an annual population increase of approximately 20 percent. As wolf numbers have increased, there have been several instances of predation on livestock. In all cases, the owners have been satisfied with financial compensation by the State and/or the relocation of the offending wolves to interior national forest lands. Due to concern that upgrading U.S. Highway 53 in northwestern Wisconsin could result in wolf deaths from collisions and could inhibit the critically important dispersal of wolves into recovery areas in Wisconsin and Michigan, the Fish and Wildlife Service carried out a formal section 7 consultation with the Federal Highway Administration. A no-jeopardy biological opinion was issued, but to minimize incidental take of wolves, a 3- to 5-year study on possible effects of the highway on wolves has been initiated.

Current Recovery Needs:

If the Wisconsin/Michigan wolf population receives continued protection from persecution, habitat loss, and disease, in time it can build its numbers to the full recovery goal of 100 animals over a 5-year period and meet the criteria for delisting.

Partnerships

Forest Service: The Forest Service is represented on the recovery team and was significantly involved in the revision of the Eastern Timber Wolf Recovery Plan. Nicolet and Chequamegon National Forests have habitat management goals and strategies to increase wolf populations on their lands. Staff of both national forests have become heavily involved in public education activities for the wolf. The Forest Service has contributed funding to assist the State's wolf monitoring activities.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: The Department is the primary agency implementing wolf monitoring and research in Wisconsin. It is continuing its long-term study of wolf numbers, reproduction, habitat use, and movement throughout northern Wisconsin. Department personnel are also assisting Michigan biologists in monitoring wolves in adjacent Michigan counties. Much of the Department's work is funded by Federal agencies, including the Fish and Wildlife Service.

Timber Wolf Alliance and Timber Wolf Information Network: The Fish and Wildlife Service is working with these private organizations to improve public understanding of wolf biology, ecology, and recovery in Wisconsin and Michigan.

Recovery Plan Status:

Original plan approved 6/5/78; revised 1/31/92.