reported a significant setback for the state’s wolf recovery efforts: the gray wolf population declined by at least 9.44% in 2024, marking one of the most notable drops in recent years. The number of successful breeding pairs also fell sharply—down 25% from the previous year.
The news has sparked concern among conservationists, who say the decline may signal deeper problems in the state’s management strategies.
A Reversal After Years of Recovery
For more than a decade, Washington’s wolf population had been slowly increasing, with packs gradually reclaiming historic territory in the eastern part of the state. But the latest figures represent a reversal of that trend, with wildlife officials documenting fewer wolves and even fewer pups surviving to maturity.
According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), they documented 37 gray wolf deaths in 2024, with 19 of those killed legally by tribal hunters and seven killed illegally. There were also four deaths that are attributed to livestock depredation.
In the 2024 Washington gray wolf annual report, the species was almost entirely wiped out in the thirties. This led to more protections on the wolves, as well as increased conservation efforts to help drive the wolf numbers up. It wasn’t until 2008 that the first wolf pack was documented in the state. Since then the numbers had been increasing.
Breeding Pairs Decline Raises Red Flags
WDFW defines a breeding pair as an adult male and female that successfully rear at least two pups until the end of the year. In 2023, the state recorded 24 successful breeding pairs. That number fell to 18 in 2024—a 25% drop that could hinder population growth for years to come.
Breeding success is considered one of the most critical metrics in monitoring wolf recovery. A decline in pups not only affects numbers but can weaken the genetic diversity needed for a healthy, resilient population.
“It’s infuriating to see this dramatic decline in both the wolf population and successful breeding pairs, but it’s not shocking given the significant uptick in wolf killings over the past several years,” said Amaroq Weiss, a senior wolf advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity.
Calls for Policy Change
Some wildlife advocates point to management decisions—including lethal removals in response to livestock conflicts—as a contributing factor in the population drop. Others argue that increased poaching, habitat pressures, and a lack of statewide protections outside designated recovery zones may also be playing a role.
The governor has directed the state wildlife agency and the Commission to draft and adopt new regulations that prioritize nonlethal conflict-prevention methods in managing wolf-livestock interactions. The goal is to ensure both the agency and livestock operators are held accountable and that lethal measures are used only as a last resort. While the regulatory process is now underway, continued public engagement may be necessary to ensure the final language is strong and effective.
What’s Next for Washington’s Wolves?
The WDFW said it will continue monitoring wolf packs with GPS collars, remote cameras, and field surveys in the months ahead. While the agency has not yet announced any major policy changes in response to the decline, officials acknowledged that the latest numbers highlight the need for ongoing evaluation of their management approach.
For now, conservation groups are urging the public to stay engaged and to push for greater protections before the trend worsens.
