Population Status and Trend
Wolves were extirpated in Washington prior to the 1930's and are now recolonizing from Canada. A small gray wolf population may live in the North Cascades. A proposal to reintroduce wolves to the Olympic National Park has been studied for feasibility. WDFW has been a participant in an interagency steering committee addressing the proposal.

Natural History
Gray wolves prey primarily on ungulates, but seasonally take small mammals. Wolves have a complex social structure, with packs of 2 to 12 members governed by a dominant male and female. The Alpha pair is usually the only pair to breed. The average litter is 6 pups, which are raised 8 to 10 weeks in a den. After denning, packs travel through the summer, using a series of home sites (rendezvous sites), where pups are left during pack hunting forays. Pack territories range from 30 to 1000 square miles and average about 200 square miles.

Habitats
Gray wolves use forested and open habitats with sufficient year-round prey, suitable and somewhat secluded areas for raising pups, and sufficient space with minimal exposure to humans. Rendezvous sites are usually near water and are characterized by systems of trails, beds, and play areas. They often border meadows.

Causes of Decline
Shooting, trapping, poisoning, government bounties.

Management & Recovery
Protect from human-caused mortality. Maintain good ungulate prey base. Protect den sites. Address problems created by wolf-dog hybrids.