Idaho's wolf population varies — based on when you count

The State of Idaho is now tracking its wolf population as of May, at its peak right after new pups are born. The previous numbers, tracked in August, were lower. The March numbers are intended to show the wolf population at its lowest level before pups are born.

In May, when the state's newest method will report population figures, the wolf population is highest. That's above other reporting periods in August and March of each year.
The May numbers are the official Idaho Department of Fish and Game estimate. The August and March numbers are projections from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game that were requested by the Idaho Capital Sun.
Chart: Kyle Pfannenstiel/Idaho Capital SunSource: Idaho Department of Fish and GameGet the dataEmbed Created with Datawrapper