Dave Ausband of the University of Montana received a grant from the Mountaineers Foundation to count populations of wolves in the wild in a very unique way. The resulting 'HowlBox' is an electronic device that emits a wolf call and listens for a return call from a real animal. The boxes allow passive monitoring in a cost effective way with results being automatically gathered and retrieved at a later time. Adult calls can be distinguished from pups by analysis of the recordings. The initial deployment of the HowlBoxes in Idaho was so successful, that a few of the boxed are being loaned to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife for monitoring populations in our state.

You can hear about the program on KUOW's website.

Dave's work was also featured on an segment on CBC Radio.

This program was funded through our Commmunity Grants program, supported by our General Fund.