Pass Creek Story Continued...

In May, the wolves were blamed for killing an 800-pound steer near Jimmy Smith Lake. Traps were set by Wildlife Services and B317 was caught near a cow pasture. It was discovered that since she had been re-collared in February, she had somehow received serious injuries. Her injuries were likely the reason she had not left the East Fork lowlands. She was euthanized. It's unknown what became of her pups.

Then, IDFG reported in late Spring, that Pass Creek female B297, had been illegally killed during the winter by an unknown person.

In early summer, the end came violently for the remaining five Pass Creek wolves. Because of more problems with cattle, the entire pack had been ordered killed by IDFG. The wolves were caught in the open on a spectacular June day, high on a ridge in the White Clouds, and were shot by a gunner from a Wildlife Services' plane.

Despite living in some of the wildest and most elk-filled country in the West, the Pass Creek Pack did not survive. They were entangled in the same deadly web of livestock and ranchers that also caused the demise of the White Cloud and Whitehawk Packs. Under the current federal 10(j) Rule that governs wolf management, there does not have to be proactive, non-lethal actions taken to try and scare away wolves, or to take steps to better protect livestock. It is illegal to bait wolves.

Read more about the East Fork Salmon and view photos:
Whitehawk Pack    Stanley and White Cloud Packs

End of Pass Creek Story & Photos
Pass Creek Pack 2005 - 2008  PART 1>   PART 2>   PART 3>   PART 4>   PART 5>   PART 6