Gray wolf pack numbers are growing in Washington even though the overall wolf count is down.
According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) annual report, 2024 was the first year since 2008 where the overall wolf population declined in the state.
“The state’s wolf population grew by an average of 20% per year since the first WDFW wolf survey in 2008, until 2024,” said WDFW Statewide Wolf Specialist Ben Maletzke. “Despite reduced population counts statewide, the number of packs increased in the North Cascades in 2024, and both the North Cascades and Eastern Washington Recovery regions continued to meet or exceed recovery objectives for the fifth year in a row.”
As of December 31, 2024, officials counted 230 wolves in 43 packs and 18 successful breeding pairs in Washington. In 2023, WDFW counted 254 wolves in 42 packs and 24 breeding pairs.
While the numbers did decline, WDFW wolf biologists say they do not believe wolf recovery is threatened at this time.
WDFW says at least one person has been charged with poaching a wolf last year.
“Poaching wolves is unacceptable – in Washington, illegally killing a wolf or other endangered species is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $5,000 fine and one year in jail,” said WDFW Director Kelly Susewind. “In addition, poaching slows the natural recovery of wolves in the state and hinders their ability to reach recovery goals that could allow them to be delisted as a state-endangered species.”
WDFW reported that 17 cattle and one dog were killed by wolves last year, while two calves were “probably killed by wolves.” Up to 10 of the 43 packs in Washington were involved in at least one confirmed or probable livestock injury or death.
WDFW said it continued to work with farmers to find solutions that protected both the cattle and the wolves as much as possible.
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