OKAIT J-.tS AWENIUX 1 



treated as if the animal were wild and non-vaccinated. MFWP assumes that at the time of delisting, wild wolf 

 populations could sustain the removal of an occasional wild wolf mistaken for a released captive or wolf-dog hybrid. 

 Free-roaming captives or hybrids captured at livestock depredation sites will be euthanized if attempts to locate the 

 owner are unsuccessful. If the owner can be located, the animal will be returned, but its owner is financially 

 responsible for compensation for damages or losses. 



The MPWP Commission may consider adopting rules and regulations that prohibit the general public from 

 removing wolves or wolf pups from the wild. 



Ecotourism 



With enhanced marketing, ecotourism associated with the gray wolf is a potential area for economic growth in 

 Montana. In Ely, Minnesota, visits to the International Wolf Center generate approximately three million dollars in 

 economic benefits to the local economy (Mech 1996). Now that the Discovery Center in West Yellowstone exhibits 

 captive wolves, similar outcomes could be predicted for that community and the GYA. Over 9.4 million 

 nonresidents visited Montana in 1999, up from 9.2 million in 1998. Glacier and Yellowstone national parks attract 

 the most visitors to Montana and wildlife viewing is the most popular recreational activity (Dillion and Nickerson 

 2000). 



YNP will probably continue as the primary destination for wolf-related ecotourism. While NPS strictly regulates 

 commercial activity within parks, the surrounding public lands or other public lands in Montana could be alternative 

 destinations for commercial guiding services for wolf viewing. Commercial activities on USPS lands are regulated 

 through an internal permitting process. MFWP generally does not permit commercial use of its WMAs or State 

 Parks. However, MFWP does welcome the general public to view wildlife on these lands. 



While the ecotourism potential of wolf-related activities is significant, there could also be adverse effects, too. 

 Increased human knowledge of wolf den and rendezvous site locations or increased visitation may lead to problems 

 with chronic disturbance, premature home site abandonment, habituation, or even increased illegal mortality. The 

 biological impacts of recreational or ecotourism-induced disturbance (e.g. howling) are difficult to predict for 

 wolves because of the behavioral plasticity demonstrated by the species. General considerations are presented by 

 Claaretal. (1999). 



The Montana Department of Commerce's Board of Outfitters and the federal land management agencies are the 

 hcensing and oversight authority for commercial outfitting and guiding services in Montana. However, MFWP will 

 promote ethical approaches to ecotourism through educational materials and through its partnerships with federal 

 agencies and private non-profit organizations. Non-profit groups, such as the Timber Wolf Alhance, developed 

 guidelines for ethical approaches to wolf watching and howling sessions in the Great Lakes states (Wisconsin 

 Department of Natural Resources 1999). These materials could be readily adapted for use in Montana. 



Law Enforcement 



Since wolves wUl be classified as a "species in need of management" upon delisting, the MFWP Commission will 

 establish rules and regulations pertaining to wolves, including the conditions and circumstances under which a 

 private citizen may harass, kill, or possess a wolf. The MFWP Law Enforcement Division enforces those rules, 

 along with other Montana statutes related to wildlife and human safety. MFWP enforcement personnel will 

 coordinate with federal, local, and or tribal authorities as necessary. 



The enforcement of new rules and regulations for wolves in Montana will be a high priority. Law enforcement 

 authority for wolves as a "species in need of management" will be similar to other legally classified game or fur 

 bearing species. Game wardens will go about their routine duties much as before, only there will be additional rules 

 and regulations, specifically pertaining to wolves. These will be adopted by the MFWP Commission. Warden 

 patrol duties and call-out response will be adjusted to include wolf responsibilities and duties. MFWP has a 1-800- 

 telephone hotline (TIP-MONT) so that people could anonymously report observed or suspected violations of fish 

 and wildlife or parks laws. This is an important tool for game wardens to receive information and respond to public 

 requests. We anticipate that the public may also use the hot Une to report possible illegal activity concerning 

 wolves. 



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