Statistics show Washington’s wolf population is increasing

April 23 Washington’s wolf population is increasing, albeit with one fewer breeding pair, according to information released this week by a state agency that tracks wolf populations.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife reported that agency staff and partners from several area tribes counted 260 wolves in 42 packs in the Evergreen State. That’s about a 20% increase from 2023, marking the 15th consecutive year of wolf population growth.

While that’s an increase from 216 wolves in 2023, the number of breeding pairs raising at least two pups by the end of 2023 is one fewer than in 2023, down to 25.

The vast majority of wolves live in eastern Washington state, although some wolves have begun to be seen in the Cascade Mountains, which is critical to the state’s recovery efforts.

“Although the first wolf packs to recolonize the South Cascades and Northwest Coast recovery areas were counted in late 2023, only one was found,” WDFW Director Kelly Susewind said in a report. wolves, but we observed multiple collared wolves south of Interstate 90 last year. “That could mean it’s just a matter of time before new wolf packs start establishing in that recovery area. “

Just to the east, Idaho is home to about 1,337 wolves, but that’s based on 2022 numbers.

Results from the 2023 wolf survey are not expected to be released until July, Idaho Fish and Game wildlife manager Rick Ward said Tuesday.

But last year, former Idaho Fish and Game Director Ed Schriever, who retired in February, noted that a projected 1,337 wolves in the Gem State in 2022 was too high for state wildlife managers.

“Fish and game organization staff, hunters, trappers, and other partners and agencies work together to reduce wolf-livestock conflicts and keep wolves and prey species ( “We are encouraged by our efforts to reduce wolf populations, which is consistent with our long-term goal of reducing wolf populations in Idaho.

“We would like to see it fluctuate around 500, which is outlined in our draft wolf management plan and consistent with federal rules for delisting wolves.” Wolves were hunted to near extinction in the early 1900s, but were hunted to near extinction in 1995 and Wolves were reintroduced in 2008 in Idaho and Washington.

Since then, their restoration has continued to spark controversy between groups such as cattlemen’s associations who believe states are not doing enough to protect livestock and groups dedicated to achieving a semblance of natural balance for the country’s wild areas.

Washington state wolf expert Ben Maletzke noted that while the state’s wolf population continues to grow, there are no corresponding livestock losses in the state.

In 2023, there were 23 “confirmed or possible” depredations in the state, and about 78% of known wolf packs were not involved in any livestock attacks. About nine wolf packs were involved in at least one confirmed or possible attack, and only two wolf packs suffered two or more livestock attacks, according to the release.

“Last year, livestock producers worked closely with WDFW staff as well as community partners and ranch riders to use non-lethal methods to deter negative interactions between wolves and livestock,” Maleczyk said in the release.

“These proactive and reactive efforts require significant investment of time and resources from livestock operators and others but reduce wolf depredation and fatally remove wolf populations.”

Washington has released its first status assessment of wolves in the state and recommends reclassifying wolves to sensitive status based on significant progress toward recovery goals. The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is expected to make a decision on the reclassification proposal in July.

But wolf recovery supporter Amaroq Weiss, a senior wolf advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity, criticized Washington policymakers for seeking to reduce wolf protections.

“The department has said reducing protections for wolves would demonstrate progress toward recovery, but this report tells a different story,” Weiss said in a release.

“Real progress requires continued efforts to provide strong protections for wolves so that they can safely disperse into all three recovery areas and establish territories and families there.”

She noted that the state reported at least 36 wolf deaths in 2023.

Of these, three died due to livestock conflicts. Another 22 people died on tribal hunts by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, which retains tribal treaty rights to hunt on its reservation. About five wolves were killed by vehicle strikes, including one killed by a cougar.

The remaining five people died, four of whom are still under investigation and one whose cause of death is unknown.

Washington’s wolf plan divides the state into three recovery areas and specifies breeding pair population goals for each area.

Breeding pairs have not yet been established in the third recovery area, which includes the southern and northern Cascade coasts.

Weiss believes that if state wildlife managers succeed in reducing state wolf protections, it could lead to ranch owners receiving more permits to kill or harm wolves and reduce habitat protections.

“Even the state knows that some of the best wolf habitat in Washington state is in the third recovery area in the western part of the state,” Weiss said. “I’m pleased to see the agency significantly reduce wolf kills this year, But with 36 wolves dead, fewer breeding pairs, and no wolves at all in the third recovery area, wolves still need protection.

“Rather than bowing to political pressure from wolf opponents, the department should continue to focus on non-lethal prevention measures and education.”

Earlier this year, federal officials announced they were refusing to reinstate wolf protections after finding that wolves were not in danger of extinction in the American West.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in February it was rejecting a petition seeking Endangered Species Act protection for gray wolves. The discovery brings management of the species under state control in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and parts of eastern Oregon and Washington.

The agency also said it would begin developing a nationwide recovery plan for the species, which is listed as endangered in 44 states and threatened in Minnesota. Work on the program is expected to be completed by December 12, 2025.

The public can submit comments on the department’s proposal until midnight on May 6.