Washington’s wolf population reached a modern-day record of at least 270 animals within its borders at the end of 2025. That marks a 40-wolf or 17 percent increase since 2024.  

Over that same time period, according to the Washington Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Report, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) documented 19 livestock depredations, a decrease from 56 the previous year. The math does not seem to add up. Perhaps, because it does not. 

“Fish and Wildlife’s numbers are low because they don’t have all the facts,” Stevens County Sheriff Brad Manke told the Capital Press. “They’ve given up hope that the department will do anything for them.”  

Manke said ranchers reported about 20 depredations to his office but not to WDFW. 

“I have ranchers who report depredations to us, but they don’t want Fish and Wildlife to get their information. They do not get satisfaction out of it, and then their information gets spread all over,” Jeff Flood, a wolf depredation specialist who works in several Washington counties, told the Capital Press. “They don’t want to deal with that stress anymore.” 

Flood is referring to animal rights organizations that are critical of ranchers and WDFW and look to publicize or file litigation over depredation decisions. 

In its neighboring state to the south, Oregon recently reported a record minimum population of 230 wolves for 2024-2025 but also 145 attacks on animals over the same period or a 53 percent increase. 

About Hunt 2 Conserve 

Hunt 2 Conserve is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Its mission is to advance a legacy of hunting and conservation by educating, activating and developing stewards and defenders of these fundamentally American ideals. For more information, go to hunt2conserve.org. 

(Photo credit: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife)