The Gros Ventre Pack discovered the refuge at the same time, and the two coexisted there. 7300 elk were on the refuge that year. Wolves have not spent much time on the refuge this year, not clear why not. Wolves have recently been reported dispersing north of Mill Creek, west of Livingston, sightings in the Gravelly Range and Crazy Mountains. Primary source of wolf mortality is people.
Wolves clearly select the more vulnerable individuals among the elk population.
Elk numbers increased in 2000, despite the presence of wolves. Val Asher, TESF Val reported on use of pens on the Turner Ranch. Procedure is not easy, and had some setbacks, but may be a useful tool where this level of intensive management is justified. Bison herd migrates from Hayden Valley. Nez Perce Pack numbers 22 wolves this year.