Alaska Biologists Kill 17 Wolves In 'Predator Control' Program

An aerial predator control program that began Saturday is standing down after killing 17 wolves in four days in an area surrounding two Northern Interior villages. The program is one of several wolf reduction programs that are underway this year in areas across Alaska.

This particular program was conducted in a 1,360-square-mile management area around Allakaket and Alatna, villages which have the combined population of around 140 people. The goal was to reduce predation "as much as possible" for the next five years, said Alaska Department of Fish and Game wildlife biologist Cathie Harms. There are between 25 to 50 wolves estimated in the management area, which is part of Game Management Unit 24B.

The decision to stop aerial surveys was made after Tuesday's field work, said Harms. "If wolves do come into the area then we may resume," later in the spring, she said. ...

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