The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) released its annual wolf count, showing 260 wolves in 42 packs in the state, a 20% increase from the previous year.
WDFW reported that in 2023 it saw the formation or reestablishment of seven wolf packs, including the Beaver Creek Pack in Okanogan County, the Skookum Pack in Pend Oreille County, the Ruby Pack in Stevens County, the Couse Pack in Asotin County, and the Dollar Mountain, Nasonand Scatter packs in Ferry County that overlap portions of the Confederated Tribes of the Coville Reservation.
Despite this increase, the reported incidents of wolf depredation on domestic animals did not significantly rise. While the state’s wolf population grew to 25 successful breeding pairs, documented depredation events remained relatively stable, with 23 confirmed or probable cases recorded by WDFW.
The agency has released a status review for wolves in the state, suggesting a reclassification to sensitive status due to substantial strides in meeting recovery goals. The proposal for reclassification is anticipated to be deliberated upon by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission in July.
