Gray wolf population in WA surges to highest recorded level

Washington’s gray wolf population is at its highest count since the state began monitoring in 2008.

State and tribal officials counted a minimum of 270 wolves and 49 packs, including 23 breeding pairs at the end 2025, according to a new report from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The numbers are estimates from last winter’s surveying and include lone wolves.

It marks a 17.4% increase from 2024, when the tally was 230 wolves and 43 packs. That year marked the first decline since counting began. In 2023, the state recorded 254 wolves and 42 packs.

“The growth is pretty consistent in what we’ve seen in our recolonizing population throughout recovery,” said Trent Roussin, a wolf biologist for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/04/23/gray-wolf-population-in-wa-surges-to-highest-recorded-level/