Wolf Population Increases in 2016

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife have released their annual report on wolf populations and it shows a 28 percent increase from 2015 to 2016.

Bruce Botka said there are now at least 115 wolves in at least 20 packs with 10 successful breeding pairs, primarily in Northeastern Washington.

“The primary reason for that and for the effective reproduction in those areas is that so much of it is quite remote. It’s wolf habitat in a lot of cases.”

There is a new pack in Southeastern Washington as well.

Botka said with continued increases in wolf numbers, it’s important to work with the community.

“Becomes increasingly important for us to work closely with livestock producers and local residents to do everything we can to prevent conflict between wolves and livestock, domestic animals and that has been and will remain one of our biggest challenges.”

WDFW classified nine confirmed wolf depredations and six probable. There were also 14 wolf deaths, seven due to the partial removal of the Profanity Peak pack.

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