Gray wolves to remain on state endangered list after 5-4 vote
Gray wolves will remain on the Washington list of protected species after a recent vote by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife commissioners.
WDFW PHOTO
OLYMPIA — Gray wolves will remain on the endangered species list in Washington after a close 5-4 vote by the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission, according to a Washington Policy Center press release. Over the past 15 years, the gray wolf population has grown significantly, with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife counting at least 260 wolves in 42 packs.
The gray wolf population has met all recovery goals except one: natural regional dispersal into Western Washington. While they were removed from the Federal Endangered Species List in 2021, they will continue to be protected at the state level.