Good info Steve - My wife and I visit the Pacific Northwest somewhat frequently. Eastern WA close to the Idaho border and north of Spokane. Apparently there was an effort to re-introduce (or strengthen) a few wolf packs in the northern-most region of that area about ten yrs ago. The wolves have since thrived and they're now shot on site by the locals who lose livestock regularly. The packs are moving south and I think there is now a formal plan to destroy a particular pack altogether - sad it has to come to that. Sorry for the hijack Gary - serious critters are of interest to me b/c we'll end up out there smack dab in Griz, Cat, Wolf territory for good at some point. Makes a fella very concerned about his dog not to mention concern due to time spent along a river w/fly rod in hand. Conventional wisdom (from the locals) says one should avoid the Elk movements and chances of a dangerous encounter are reduced significantly. Plenty of coyotes out there as well. I've never heard a whisper about coyotes and wolves interbreeding but that's not to say it doesn't occur.
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