State and federal biologists say B-45, a yearling female, appears to have crossed the Snake River from Idaho and made her way more than 100 miles into the headwaters of the John Day River, apparently in search of a mate. It is believed to be the first time a wolf transplanted into Idaho wilderness has gone so far into Oregon. Ed Bangs, the gray wolf recoverys coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Helena Mont. said a radio collar around B-45's neck would make her easy to track and, if necessary, recapture and return to Idaho.
Most wolves never cause problems.
But if they do, we have proven strategies in place to deal with that. Bangs said the female probably wouldn't find a mate in Oregon, and might even retrace her steps, swim the Snake River again, and return to Idaho. Or, he said, she may mark a 300 to 400 square mile territory and wait for one to show up. If B-45 attacts any livestock, Bangs said, biologists will move quickly to either kill her or recapture and relocate her. Recipients should seek permission to reprint the article from the source listed above.