BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho wildlife officials say the state has about 1,000 wolves and at least 22 breeding wolf pairs.

Idaho Fish and Game biologist Jim Hayden made the comments Thursday shortly before giving a presentation to the Idaho Fish and Game Commission in Boise.

Hayden says Idaho is in no danger presently of falling below 15 breeding wolf pairs and having to turn over wolf management to federal authorities.

Hayden says there are likely more breeding wolf pairs in the state as biologists this winter have gathered information on only 30 of the 107 known wolf packs in Idaho.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requires the state to maintain at least 15 breeding wolf pairs or Idaho wolves could again receive protection under the Endangered Species Act.

More From Kool 96.5