Counting the population at the end of each year allows for comparable year-to-year trends at a time of year when the wolf population is most stable. Annual wolf population surveys are conducted in the winter because wolf populations experience the least amount of natural fluctuation during this time. The year-end minimum population count for 2022 was at least 216 known wolves in 37 known packs including at least 26 breeding pairs. The local Wildlife Conflict Specialist followed up with livestock producers after the meeting they appreciated the chance to ask the team questions and express their concerns with the recent increase in wolf activity.Ĭurrent population status and proactive conflict mitigation WDFW staff attended a meeting in Anatone to discuss recent wolf activity.Biologists shared recent public observation locations and wolf movements to guide efforts to where wolves might be establishing in areas south of I-90 in Washington and in the central Cascades. WDFW staff met with folks from Conservation Northwest who run a trail camera grid in the central and south Cascades in an effort to search for new wolf packs and monitor other wildlife in this area.
#Outreach recovery update
WDFW staff gave an update on the status of wolves in Washington and members of the WAG shared information about themselves, why it is important to them to be part of the Wolf Advisory Group, and the contributions they hope to make as part of that group. WDFW staff and members of the Wolf Advisory Group presented to the North Cascades Institute this past month.
Rewards totaling $53,900 are available for information that leads to a conviction in the case of the poisoning of Stevens County wolves. The investigation remains active, and the Department encourages anyone who might have relevant information to report it confidentially by calling WDFW's poaching hotline, 87, or by texting a tip to 847411. Toxicology results revealed all six wolves died from ingesting poison. WDFW Police began the investigation in February 2022, and it is ongoing. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Police continue to investigate six wolf mortalities within the Wedge pack territory in Stevens County.Two technicians have been hired to assist the PhD student leading the effort for the coming field season. In April, researchers continued to coordinate with participants to establish a timeline for starting field work. WDFW continues to support the Conflict on Workinglands Conservation Innovation Grant (CoW-CIG) research team’s evaluation of the effectiveness of range riding at reducing conflicts between livestock and carnivores.During this meeting, the WAG heard presentations from and had discussion with students, professors, and WDFW staff involved in the Washington Predator-Prey Project. Meeting notes and associated materials are available on the Wolf Advisory group page under the Meetings tab. Questions about applying or need assistance with the application? Reach out to The Wolf Advisory Group (WAG) held a meeting on April 12-13. Applications and contract updates can be found here: WDFW is currently accepting applications for contracted range riders for the 2023 season.
#Outreach recovery full
WDFW also documented Washington’s first pack to recolonize the south Cascades this winter. Read the full press release here. The Washington Gray Wolf Conservation and Management 2022 Annual Report was released in April.
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