Over the past couple months, many of you have asked questions about the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of the pack of wolves that we refer to as the Owyhee Pack. In this “Frequently Asked Questions” page, the Wolf Center will post those most common questions in the effort to inform you.
1. What does the name “Owyhee” mean?
On December 31, 1863, Owyhee County became the first county organized by the Idaho Territorial Legislature. Nez Perce and Idaho Counties predate Owyhee County as parts of Washington Territory but they were not recognized by Idaho Territory until February 1864. Owyhee County originally included present-day Twin Falls, Cassia and Power Counties. It assumed its present boundaries in 1879. “Owyhee” is a corruption of Hawaii, a reference to Hawaiian fur trappers who explored the area in 1819 and 1820. Owyhee County’s history is inextricably linked to the mining boom that dominated Idaho in the second half of the 19th Century. Silver City and Ruby City are among the state’s most noteworthy ghost towns from the period. At its height in the 1880s Owyhee County was among the most populated places in Idaho. Today it is among the least populated. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owyhee_County%2C_Idaho
2. What were the specific reasons the pack was removed?
The Pack was removed from the private residence after a couple years of the Owyhee County Sheriff’s Department, USDA, and Idaho Humane Society working toward managing the situation with the property owners. Following the death of the wolves’ original owner and the property owner’s son, the parents became overwhelmed by the gravity of the work load associated with caring for the descendants of two original animals. In all, there were 19 wolves and rumors have indicated as many as 39 wolves at one point. Following the escape and resulting death of one of the wolves, the situation was escalated to removal.
3. Hey, you wrote about 17 wolves and only took 5! Where are the other 12?
There was actually 19 wolves. The Wolf Center took five that we felt needed extra care and attention and 12 were retrieved by our friends, John and Debbie Knight at the Big Oak Wolf Sanctuary. Similar in mission, their mission is to provide sanctuary to abused and illegally obtained wolves.
4. Are all the Sawtooth and Owyhee wolves together?
No. The Sawtooth Pack live in their historic home, the 20 acre enclosure while the Owyhee Pack have found refuge in the 2 acre enclosure.
5. Wait. Two wolves in 20 acres and 5 wolves in 2 acres? What’s up with that?
After much discussion, the decision was made to not move the “elder” wolves we call the Sawtooth Pack. At their age, tranquilizing them could pose a danger to their lives and moving them was not an option. Additionally, managing wolves in a facility where we can find them, such as the Owyhees in the 2 acre enclosure, allows pack managers to find, observe, and care for the wolves and it is a huge benefit to visitors who will see the curious wolves across the meadow.
6. I heard the owner of the property was allowed to keep two wolves; is this true?
The USDA, Owyhee County Sheriff’s Department, and Idaho Human Society showed great compassion to the family in light of their considerable losses and apparantly felt there was no risk to future management issues. We recommend you contact them for the specifics of that question. Our focus is on giving the five rescued wolves the best care possible and moving them to a vastly improved habitat for wolves.
7. Why weren’t the animals euthanised?
Euthanasia is always a last resort in the face of no solutions. Captive animals are an expensive endeavor and the Wolf Center felt confident that our donors and supporters would stand by making the humane effort. Your support has affirmed that. The Wolf Education & Research Center does not participate in euthanisation strategies and will always work toward sanctuary for wildlife.
8. Can the Owyhee Pack breed?
Both the Sawtooth and the Owyhee Packs are not able to breed. The females are still able to experience estrus which invites a very unproductive outcome for her and her mate.
9. Will the Wolf Center bring another pack in?
The Wolf Center business plan includes consideration of the addition of new wolves, never to exceed two Packs. Presently, the Sawtooth and Owyhee Packs consume the available resources. Discussions include dividing the 20 acre enclosure into more manageable sizes, for the reasons stated above, upon the inevitable passing of the Sawtooth Pack. The key component of this endeavor will be a result of public support.
10. Will I be able to meet and touch the Owyhee Pack?
The Owyhee Pack will be open to viewing from the observation deck and parking lot of the Visitor’s Center by telescope. We will post an announcement on the website at the earliest opportunity to inform you of the opening of Raven’s Roost and the Upper Classroom for viewing, which could be as soon as this publication is released.
11. I realize this is an 11th question but what can I do to help?
Visit the center, buy our merchandise which promotes us, give financially, and talk to all of your friends about this wonderful place in the mountains of Idaho where there are a small group of people working toward connecting humans and wolves for the purpose of saving the species.
Send your questions to info@wolfcenter.org.
