As wolf populations grow, state expects a Western Washington increase

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s 2025 report on gray wolf populations marks a new high since conservation efforts began in the ‘80s. Updated Nov. 7, 2026 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s 2026 Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Annual Report is expected to be released in April of 2027, which will likely show an increase of wolves migrating into Western Washington. The report comes on the heels of a 17.4% statewide population increase in 2025, with a record 270 individuals counted, including 49 different packs and 23 breeding pairs. This is new. In 2024, populations dropped from 254 to 230 — 9.5% statewide. [Ed.: Percentage updated] The recent increase serves as a milestone for WDFW’s conservation efforts. Yet for many of the state’s agricultural workers, who have to deal with wolves’ repeated attacks on livestock, more wolves would only worsen the ongoing farming crisis that saw Washington fall to 50th place for farmer take-home pay in 2024.

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