Washington wolf population hits record high as livestock attacks plummet

OLYMPIA — Washington’s gray wolf population surged by more than 17 percent in 2025, reaching a record high after a brief decline the previous year.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s annual report, released Friday, confirmed a minimum of 270 wolves across 49 packs. This marks a significant rebound from 2024, when the population dipped to 230.

Officials identified 23 successful breeding pairs, up from 18, with notable growth in the North Cascades. While 28 wolf deaths were recorded—primarily from tribal hunting and state removals—livestock attacks plummeted from 56 to 17.

State biologists cited the expansion into new territories as a sign of successful recovery. However, advocates noted that wolves have yet to establish permanent packs in the southern Cascades or coastal regions, where habitat remains vacant.

File photo from WDFW of a gray wolf

---

• 
• 
• 

---

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

---

Elkhorn Media Group