Wolf population hits record high

DAVENPORT — Washington’s gray wolf population reached a record high in 2025, growing to a minimum of 270 wolves in 49 packs — a 17.4% increase from the previous year — with Eastern Washington, including areas near Lincoln County, continuing to host the majority of the state’s wolves.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and tribal partners documented 35 packs in the Eastern Washington Recovery Region at the end of the year, accounting for more than 70% of the statewide total, according to the 2025 Washington Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Annual Report released April 13.

Twent...