Gray wolves once existed throughout Washington; however, removal began shortly afterEuropean settlement. They were extirpated
(removed) from Washington by the 1930’s through human persecution, with
the exception of a few individuals dispersing periodically into the
state since then. In the summer of 2008, a breeding pair of wolves was radio-collared in western
Okanogan County in north-central Washington. The Okanogan County wolves
were determined through genetic testing to be consistent with coastal
British Columbia populations. Known packs are now inhabiting the northeastern quarter of Washington with wolves moving into central and southeastern regions.
Wolves continue to be controversial, and public attitudes vary. Main
prey for wolves there are elk, moose and deer. Range
lines are not depicted, see map below.
Species Information
Species
Common Name: gray wolf, northwestern wolf, Rocky Mountain wolf
Latin Name:
Canis lupus
Location: eastern Washington
Wolf Packs in Washington (as of October 4, 2012); WA Dept of Fish & Game
Current Wolf Population, Trend, Status
Number of gray wolves: Minimal, eight confirmed packs
Population trend: Increasing
Legal status: State and tribal management in the eastern third of the state as of May 5, 2011. Federally protected in all other areas.
Pups from the Diamond Pack in Pend Oreille County - July 2009 (image courtesy of WA DNR)
Gray wolves once existed throughout Washington; however, removal began shortly afterEuropean settlement. They were extirpated
(removed) from Washington by the 1930’s through human persecution, with
the exception of a few individuals dispersing periodically into the
state since then. In the summer of 2008, a breeding pair of wolves was radio-collared in western
Okanogan County in north-central Washington. The Okanogan County wolves
were determined through genetic testing to be consistent with coastal
British Columbia populations. Known packs are now inhabiting the northeastern quarter of Washington with wolves moving into central and southeastern regions.
Wolves continue to be controversial, and public attitudes vary. Main
prey for wolves there are elk, moose and deer. Range
lines are not depicted, see map below.
