Local wolf update

OLYMPIA–The Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) reports the year-end minimum population count for 2021 was at least 206 known wolves in 33 known packs including at least 19 breeding pairs. Annual wolf population surveys are conducted in the winter because wolf populations experience the least amount of natural fluctuation during this time. Counting the population at the end of each year allows for comparable year-to-year trends at a time of year when the wolf population is most stable. The year-end minimum population count for 2022 will be released in April 2023.

Reports of remote camera images or videos, wolf tracks, or sightings from the public are extremely helpful in locating previously undocumented wolf activity and potential new packs on the landscape. Please take photos of wolves or wolf sign (use some way to measure the size of a track) and upload them to the wolf reporting page via the following link: https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/at-risk/species-recovery/gray-wolf/observations

Definitions: A "pack" is defined as two or more wolves traveling together in winter, and a "breeding pair" is defined as at least one adult male and one adult female wolf that raised at least two pups that survived until December 31. In any given year, the number of packs will always be greater than or equal to the number of breeding pairs.

Biologist have placed cameras at these new locations to monitor activity. Columbia pack; Grouse Flats pack; Touchet pack; and Tucannon pack.

A collared wolf from Oregon dispersed into Washington and traveled throughout Garfield and Asotin Counties. The wolf has since moved into Idaho.

WDFW staff investigated a dead wolf in Asotin County that had dispersed into Washington from Oregon. No known cause of death could be determined; little of the carcass remained at the time of investigation. Because this event occurred in Washington, it will be counted in Washington's mortality numbers.

As of this update, WDFW has documented 27 wolf mortalities in 2022. 

Depredation activity: In 2021, 76% of known wolf packs were not involved in any documented livestock depredation. WDFW documented zero wolf depredation events in December, the same as 2017-2021.

Please report any suspected livestock depredations or the death or harassment of wolves to the WDFW Enforcement Hotline at 1-877-933-9847.

Documented pack depredation activity within the past ten months nearest to Garfield, Asotin, Columbia Counties are: Grouse Flats, confirmed steer death on August 12, and again on August 30, 2022.