In Idaho, we're well underway into the wolf season. I thought it time to post a few wolf pictures again. A few of the trappers are getting some gear out. For several years I trapped wolves for IDFG for radiocollaring to monitor reproduction and other things. A few wolves were caught in footholds and released with transmitters. Here's a few portraits of collared wolves, all from northern Idaho (St. Joe and NF Clearwater Rivers).


This wolf didn't get overly excited about anything. She was given the name "Mellow".



This a a pretty big boy, 11 years and 108 pounds. I like that "blue" color phase.



Another big blue male. His packmate had just pulled out as I watched. He was named "Chiono", which was a cross between "chiorny" (black) in Russian, and "chono", Mongolian for wolf.



This was a 104-lb male, dubbed "Spicer" in honor of a recently deceased Conservation Officer and friend.



This wolf was caught in a June snowstorm. He was given the name "Koshmar", meaning "nightmare" in Russian. Collaring him was quite a story.


Hope you enjoy the photos. Let's see some more...

I’m trying to get some photos! Magnificent animals!

Great pictures and your Idaho wolves sure look different than out MN ones. That blue male sure has a big old melon on him.

This one was the toughest I had to release. I think he had seen a catch pole before.

I liked the colors on this one.

When I realized a Nohwoods 1 3/4 were a well built trap.

Another pretty one.

I couldn't resist sharing a few from over my past years on the line.. Grateful for Dean Wilson taking time to teach me snaring!

Great pics, thanks everyone for sharing!

You know I always love the wuffs, Jack.

Sure like seeing Garth. He is huge. His head and feet. I think I recall, he was under sedation in that pic, it would be fun to see pics of him staggering off after you let him go.

I did a portrait of Blue, for Jumperzee, a trapper in Idaho , who is a member here too. Those blues, like Garth, are really special.

And the pencil of JR's wuff. He said that one was among the prettiest he has caught.

Those Russian names are perfect for your wuffs.

Love this post! Great pics from all!

Gulo, are you removing a tooth for aging?

JP -

No. I no longer remove a tooth for cementum aging. For our purposes, we don't need exact age. I found that taking a frontal close-up of the upper central incisors, I can get within +/- 1 year (compared with cementum ages in the past), usually exactly right on. The wear patterns are predictable on the upper incisors. Not so with the canines or premolars/molars.

Typical yearling incisor wear.


Jack

That blue male sure has a big old melon on him.

I was going to say the same thing!

Blends in pretty good with the bush.

This was an old dog, had the Park service biologist give me an estimate on age and if I remember correctly he said 12 to 14 years old.

That nice wuff is at the wrong end of the sled, Sir Ken...she needs a harness and up front to lead and pull . Nice smiles from you both in that one

Sharon, your artwork is truly amazing!

Keith

I think that's a grimace on the wolf.