The Washington gray wolf population has seen its first-ever decline since the animals were reintroduced to the state nearly two decades ago.
Roughly 260 wolves, in 42 packs, now roam mostly in the northeastern part of Washington, but one industry leader says that the drop is not necessarily cause for alarm.
According to Pam Lewison, Ag Director at the Washington Policy Center, “Sometimes populations correct on their own. That seems to be what is happening here. That’s what the state’s biologists have said.”
She says that it marks a turning point for wolf recovery in the state.
“After years of exponential increases, year-over-year, since the first gray wolf was detected in the state in 2007, this is the first time ever that there has been a reported population decline.”
Lewison says that the trend underscores the need to revisit Washington’s decades-old wolf management plan.
Dave Duquette, founder of Western Justice, joined us to discuss wolf management, rancher concerns, efforts to return control to the states, and his upcoming documentary, “Wolves: True Conflict.”
March 25, 2026 02:48 PM
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The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council published a joint press release regarding the advancement of legislation to delist the Mexican Gray Wolf from the Endangered Species Act.
January 23, 2026 05:05 PM
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) are praising the passage of a bill to delist gray wolves as an endangered species by the U.S. House last week.
December 22, 2025 01:23 PM
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The Pet and Livestock Protection Act now moves to the Senate for consideration.
December 19, 2025 11:49 AM
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Tom Peterson with the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association says taxpayers are “unfortunate casualties” of this overlay now that the Mexican wolf population is stable under ESA guidelines.
September 05, 2025 01:21 PM
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August 08, 2025 09:58 AM
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