An investigation is underway into a potential wolf sighting north of Elko.
On March 17th a helicopter pilot spotted three suspected wolves near Merritt Mountain and contacted the Nevada Department of Wildlife.
That report was given to NDOW biologists, and they immediately coordinated with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service on a plan to thoroughly search the area to confirm the sighting, according to a release from NDOW.
Search efforts have led to the locating of tracks in the area, with the freshest set leading toward the Idaho border.
NDOW biologists continued ground surveys and were able to measure track dimensions consistent with a wolf.
The biologists then installed trail cameras, collected scat, and explored locations for opportunities to collect hair samples.
The collected samples were sent off for DNA testing and the test results are expected within the next several days.
“Nevada is not a historic habitat for wolves, and we’ve had very few confirmed sightings in the state," said NDOW Director Alan Jenne. "Wolves are not known to reside in the state of Nevada, but we know that they may occasionally cross state lines for brief periods.”
NDOW says they are committed to ensuring public safety and continuing to ensure that Nevada ecosystems and natural resource industries are not negatively impacted by the presence of wolves in the state.
