Washington wolf population climbs to record high after 17% annual increase

OLYMPIA — Washington’s gray wolf population grew by more than 17% in 2025, reaching its highest level since wolves naturally returned to the state nearly two decades ago, according to a new annual report released April 13 by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. State and tribal biologists counted a minimum of 270 wolves, 49 packs and 23 breeding pairs as of Dec. 31, 2025. Which is up from 230 wolves, 43 packs and 18 breeding pairs the previous year. The count reflects the minimum number of wolves confirmed through aerial surveys, track observations, remote cameras and collar data, plus an additional 12.5% to account for lone wolves and dispersers. “We confirmed six new or reestablished packs in the annual count,” WDFW wolf biologist Trent Roussin said in the department’s announcement.