The gray wolf (Canis lupus), a native Washington species, was nearly eradicated from the state in the early 1900s. Wolves are returning to Washington on their own, dispersing from populations in nearby states and provinces--wolves were never reintroduced to Washington.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is managing this recovering endangered species, guided by a citizen-developed plan to address conflicts with livestock and impacts to other wildlife species. Citizen reports of wolf activity and problems are encouraged as WDFW staff members monitor the growth of Washington’s wolves.
WDFW produces annual reports documenting the status, distribution, and management of wolves in the state of Washington over the previous year. You can also watch a video of the Washington Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Annual report being presented to the Fish and Wildlife Commission.
WDFW biologists conduct an annual wolf population survey to obtain a minimum count of wolves in the state. That task is a daunting effort that currently employs a variety of tools, including radio collars, helicopters, and dart guns, but might eventually move to noninvasive—and safer—approaches, such as using trail cameras and AudioMoths (recording devices that enable researchers to listen for wolf howls).
If you are interested in receiving email notifications of wolf activity updates, you can sign up here.
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Gray wolf species information
Natural history of the gray wolf, including physical description, lifespan, pack dynamics, and habitat information, and how to avoid conflicts.
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Wolf packs in Washington
WDFW and Tribes counted 260 wolves in 42 packs in Washington at the end of 2023. Twenty-five of the packs were successful breeding pairs.
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Gray wolf updates
WDFW publishes reports detailing wolf pack activity and management actions undertaken by the department.
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Photo gallery
Photos of Washington wolves.
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Report wolf observations
Information on how to report wolf observations in Washington.
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Wolf post-recovery planning
WDFW is developing a new conservation and management plan to guide long-term wolf conservation and management in Washington once wolves are recovered.
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Wolf reports, publications, and videos
Management plan, protocols, annual reports, and other publications about wolves in Washington.
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Wolves and livestock
WDFW is committed to working with livestock producers to reduce conflicts with wildlife, including wolves.
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The role of wolves in ecosystems
Gray wolves play a large role as an apex species and can influence the dynamics of wildlife species across an entire ecosystem.
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Gray wolf federal and state legal status
Outlining the legal status of the gray wolf under federal and Washington state law.
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Gray wolf conservation and management plan
Washington's gray wolf conservation and management plan guides the recovery of wolves across the state.
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Wolf Advisory Group
The Wolf Advisory Group provides a broad range of perspectives to help inform wolf management in Washington.