Washington’s Wolf Population Declines for First Time Since Return in 2008

Dispersal, poaching and Tribal harvest drives complex changes in wolf numbers

OLYMPIA, WA — For the first time since wolves began naturally returning to Washington State in 2008, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has recorded a decline in the state’s wolf population. The agency’s 2024 annual wolf report documented a nine percent drop in the minimum number of wolves, falling from 254 in 2023 to 230 in 2024. 

Though the true number of wolves is likely higher—given the inherent difficulty in detecting every individual—the count is conducted using a consistent methodology each year, making the decline a reliable indicator of population trends. 

The largest single source of wolf mortality was Tribal harvest, accounting for 19 wolves taken by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and the Spokane Tribe of Indians. Additional sources of mortality included: 

• Seven wolves killed illegally (poaching) 

• Seven wolves dispersing out of state (no longer counted in WA totals) 

• Four wolves lethally removed by WDFW (due to repeated livestock conflicts) 

• One wolf killed in the act of depredation 

• One wolf killed in self-defense 

• Two wolves died during capture efforts for radio-collaring 

• One wolf died of natural causes 

While overall documented mortalities in 2024 (37) were just one more than in 2023 (36), Conservation Northwest is concerned about the downward trend. Lethal removals by the agency and depredation-related deaths remained low and consistent with past years and are not seen as the primary drivers of the decline. However, an increase in poaching (seven in 2024, up from four in 2023) and continued Tribal harvest (slightly down from 22 in 2023) were compounded by significant changes in wolf dynamics, including the reduction in breeding packs within the Colville Tribal lands from five to one. Dispersal out of state was also notably higher—seven wolves in 2024 compared to just two the year before. 

The most concerning development is the rise in poaching, particularly in the Southern Cascades and Northwest Coast recovery region. In Klickitat County, where illegal kills occurred, there are now no established wolf packs. 

“These acts of destruction of the public’s wildlife are both tragic and egregious,” said Swedeen. “They significantly set back the timeline for full recovery of wolves throughout Washington.” 

Conservation Northwest unequivocally condemns the illegal killing of wolves and urges rural residents and local law enforcement to join in rejecting poaching. “We must come together to address the root causes of conflict,” Swedeen added. “Taking frustrations out on wildlife does nothing to resolve the complex challenges of coexistence, it only deepens the divide.” 

Despite the overall decline, there were some positive developments in 2024: 

• The Teanaway Pack was re-established after a two-year absence 

• The Lookout Pack, once nearly eliminated by poaching, grew to 13 members 

• A new Reed Pack was established in the North Cascades, increasing the number of packs in that region from nine to twelve since 2023.  

The annual wolf report serves as an important barometer of the species’ recovery in Washington, informing conservation strategies, policy decisions and public engagement on wildlife coexistence.