7300 elk were on the refuge that year. Wolves have not spent much time on the refuge this year, not clear why not. Public interest in the wolves on the refuge has been huge. Interest has waned somewhat this year due to decline in wolf activity on the refuge. Wolves have recently been reported dispersing north of Mill Creek, west of Livingston, sightings in the Gravelly Range and Crazy Mountains.
Wolves clearly select the more vulnerable individuals among the elk population.
Elk numbers increased in 2000, despite the presence of wolves. Procedure is not easy, and had some setbacks, but may be a useful tool where this level of intensive management is justified. Using captive wolves to test pull-strength of wolves versus coyotes toward designing wire neck snares that will work on coyotes but wolves can break away. These devices sound alarms, lights, etc. when a collared wolf comes within close range. Some evidence of success where they have been tried.