How does Idaho count wolves? Critics say state uses ‘smoke and mirrors,’ misleads public

Idaho’s method of wolf population estimation has come under intense scrutiny from wildlife experts, who say the state is using “smoke and mirrors” to mislead the public and obfuscate the true extent of its wolf population.

The state is utilizing a complex approach for wolf population assessment that relies heavily on statistical models to extrapolate information from limited field data. While such models can be effective in certain circumstances, critics say Idaho is employing them in a way that is both difficult to interpret and imprecise.

At the heart of the issue is Idaho’s reliance on a “timber wolf mortality model” to measure population changes. This model is based on the assumption that mortality rates can be used as an indicator of population size, but experts say this assumption is flawed.

“When you’re relying on such a model, you’re making a lot of assumptions that may not be accurate,” said one expert. “It’s possible that the mortality rate may be higher or lower than what the model predicts, and that would lead to inaccurate population estimates.”

The timber wolf mortality model also fails to take into account other factors that can affect wolf populations, such as food availability, habitat fragmentation, and human activity.

In addition to the timber wolf mortality model, Idaho also relies on a survey-based approach, in which state biologists and researchers conduct on-the-ground surveys to try and estimate the population size. But critics say this approach is also flawed and prone to inaccuracy.

“Most of the surveys are conducted in areas where wolves are already known to exist,” said one expert. “But this means the survey could easily miss out on pockets of wolves that are in remote areas or areas that are not well-surveyed.”

The state also relies on other less-reliable population estimation techniques, such as counting wolf tracks and sightings. But experts say these methods are too imprecise to be used for population estimation.

“It’s impossible to know if a wolf track or sighting is from the same wolf or from multiple wolves,” said one expert. “It’s also difficult to estimate how many wolves are in a particular area based on a single sighting.”

The combination of these unreliable estimation techniques has led some experts to conclude that Idaho’s wolf population estimates are “largely meaningless.”

“It’s hard to trust the estimates when the methods being used are so flawed,” said one expert. “It’s like trying to get an accurate reading on a thermometer when it’s not properly calibrated.”

The issue has been further complicated by the fact that the state’s estimates have been repeatedly challenged by environmental groups, who argue that the estimates are too low and do not reflect the true population size.

In the end, it’s clear that Idaho’s approach to wolf population estimation is deeply flawed. While the state may be trying to paint a rosier picture of its wolf population, the reality is that its estimates cannot be trusted.