WA wolf population hits record high, advocates say still more to do
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Washington State's wolf population has reached its highest recorded level to date, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s latest report.
The report documented at least 270 wolves in the state as of the end of last year, an increase of more than 17% from the previous year.
Jasmine Minbashian, communications director for the group Conservation Northwest, said while the trend is encouraging, the state needs to keep the momentum going.
"What's most important for a successful wolf recovery is to continue to invest in strategies that help prevent conflict on the ground," Minbashian urged. "Wolves themselves will be just fine. It's humans we need to help out."
The report showed 90% of known packs were not involved in any livestock deaths in 2025, despite many packs overlapping with livestock country in Eastern Washington. Minbashian stressed Washington is ahead of many other Western states in providing support for reducing human conflict with wolves.
Range-riding, Minbashian explained, means maintaining a regular human presence around grazing cattle, usually on horseback or ATV. She stressed the simple technique is one of the most effective to deter wolves from preying on livestock and to prevent wolves from being killed. She added there are many other strategies known to work well.
"Good solid electric fencing, especially around calving areas, can be particularly effective," Minbashian emphasized. "Managing dead animals on your farm or ranch, making sure that they don't act as an attractant."
Minbashian underscored most of the state’s packs are now in Northeast Washington, and having established packs in Southwest Washington around the Gifford Pinchot National Forest would help define full wolf recovery in the state.
