The Idaho Fish and Game Department says the number of wolves in the state has reached its highest level since 2010, following a corresponding decline in wolves killed by hunters and trappers.
The department's data shows the state's wolf population grew by 13 percent last year. Roughly 770 wolves currently live in Idaho, according to the data released Friday — well above the minimum of 150 wolves that keeps the animal off the federal endangered species list.
Meanwhile, hunters and trappers killed roughly 250 wolves last year — down by almost 100 from the previous year.
Still, the number of wolves does not approach the statewide peak of 856 wolves in 2009.
The numbers come after state lawmakers gave the Wolf Control Depredation Board another $400,000 in funding for next year.