On April 29th, NPS biologists observed 6 newborn pups at number 18's den site. Number 18F is the beta female with the Rose creek pack. It will probably be late this summer before we are able to get an accurate count on the total number of pups born during the 1999 season. Wolves that have localized have probably denned, but due to various problems researchers have not been able to confirm. Two females denned together at a new den site.
Researchers assume they are no.
Number 40F denned. No. 42F was recently seen and tracked in the company of 163M from the Rose Creek Pack. Downes ruled in December 1997 that the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone and central Idaho was a violation of section 10j of the Endangered Species Act. This now is about 225 wolves and will be probably be well over 300 by the time the U.S. Court of Appeals rules whether Downes was correct. Downes stayed his removal order pending appeal.