Beginning the first weekend in May, WERC starts the Summer 2008 season for visitors. During the weekends of May 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, and 18th, the Visitor Center and site is open for general visiting and self-guided tours from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (PST). Beginning May 24th, the site will be open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (PST) until Labor Day in September. Guided tours will be scheduled for 7:30 AM and 7:00 PM.

Although the pack from Owyhee County is not available for up close public viewing at this time, these five wolves can be seen moving around within the two-acre enclosure from the parking lot, Visitor Center, and our new observation deck just below the Visitor Center. Plan on stopping by to see Piyip, Motoki, and the new wolves.

Wolf Examined

Over the last few days, the staff and Board of the Wolf Education & Research Center have moved decisively to save five young wolves from certain death. In early April, our Winchester, Idaho facility was contacted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) about a private facility in Southern Idaho. Owyhee County Sheriff's office and the USDA closed a facility where 17 wolves were living in substandard conditions, which contributed to one of the wolves' escape and death by shooting. An ensuing investigation resulted in identifying the facility and the subsequent shut down upon discovery of the conditions.
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Environmental groups filed a lawsuit Monday seeking to stop the federal government from giving states more leeway to kill protected gray wolves in the Northern Rockies. The lawsuit, which was filed in U.S. District Court in Missoula, challenges the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's decision Thursday to loosen restrictions on when wolves could be killed to protect game herds, pack animals and dogs in Idaho, Wyoming and Montana.
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Official Statement to Public About New Pack at WERC
Sawtooth Pack Alpha Male Passes Away - October 6, 2007
New Rule Would Lower the Bar Again on Killing Wolves in Northern Rockies
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The Wolf Education and Research Center (WERC) is a unique educational facility on the Nez Perce Reservation in northern Idaho. One of the largest of its kind in North America, this site encompasses twenty acres of rolling timberland with meadows and streams. A fitting home for the Sawtooth Pack: Wolves of the Nez Perce. These wolves serve as ambassadors for their wild cousins by educating the public

WERC is dedicated to providing public education concerning the gray wolf and its habitat in the Northern Rocky Mountains. It is our goal to provide the public with the rare opportunity to observe and learn about wolves in their natural habitat. The Visitor Center is increasing public awareness of wolves and related issues with programs that educate, awaken and motivate local as well as national residents, which may be the key for preserving wolves and their habitats in perpetuity.