Wolves in Washington Updates from the WDFW and the Wolf Advisory Group - Online
Event Details
- When
- Apr 23, 2026 from 06:00 PM to 07:15 PM
- Where
- Instructor
- WDFW Biologists + Wolf Advisory Group
- Class Tuition
- Add it to your calendar
-
vCal
iCal
Wolves are a keystone predator, playing a vital role in the health of Pacific Northwest ecosystems. After nearly being eradicated in the early 1900s, the gray wolf (Canis lupus)—a native Washington species—has naturally returned to our state. In July 2008, a wolf pack with pups was confirmed in western Okanogan and northern Chelan counties, marking the first fully documented wolf breeding in Washington since the 1930s. Since that time, the state’s wolf population has grown at an average rate of roughly 20% per year.
According to the most recent annual wolf census from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), the following updates summarize the current status of wolf recovery in Washington State:
- Washington had a minimum of 230 wolves at the end of 2024, a 9% decline from 254 wolves in 2023
- There were 18 breeding pairs in 2024, compared to 24 in 2023
- Three new wolf packs formed or were reestablished in 2024
- The North Cascades recovery region supported 12 packs, five of which were considered successful breeding pairs
- The North Cascades recovery region continues to meet recovery objectives, maintaining at least four successful breeding pairs for three consecutive years
This program begins with a presentation from WDFW biologists, who will share an overview of wolf recovery in Washington State, provide updates on current wolf packs, and respond to participant questions. Staff will also discuss findings from the 2025 wolf report, released in early April 2026.
In the second half of the program, we’ll hear perspectives from the Washington Wolf Advisory Council (WAG) and learn how the council works to promote equitable, inclusive, and respectful dialogue among diverse communities. The WAG focuses on addressing the root causes of social conflict and developing high-quality recommendations related to wolf recovery, conservation, and management.
By the end of the program, participants will better understand the current status of wolves in Washington and learn how to stay informed and get involved in wolf recovery efforts statewide.
This program is well suited for:
- Anyone interested in wolf ecology, conservation, and recovery in Washington State
- Educators, students, and lifelong learners seeking science-based information
- Community members curious about the social dimensions of wildlife management and coexistence
- People looking for respectful, balanced perspectives on a complex and often polarizing topic
This program is accessible to both newcomers and those already familiar with wolf recovery issues.
If you can't make the specific date or time of a class you want to take, you can still register and we will send you a link to view the program on your own time! All registrants will have access to the class recording for a limited time to re-watch too.
Photos courtesy of wdfw.wa.gov
