Press Release: Cascadia Wildlands Statement on Oregon’s 2022 Minimum Gray Wolf Population Count

April 18, 2023 — Today, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) released its annual report of the minimum 2022 gray wolf population and pack count for the state, which shows a continuing pattern of very low growth. The 178 wolves documented in 2022 is only an increase of three wolves over year-end 2021 numbers, while the number of wolf packs increased from 21 to 24. The state’s minimum wolf population only grew by two wolves in 2021, from 173 to 175 wolves. The stagnant population numbers are a cause for great concern in a state with significant suitable – yet unoccupied – wolf habitat. Removal of state Endangered Species Act protections was predicated on an assumed steady population increase, an assumption that has proven false since 2020.

Press Release: 2021 Worst Year for Oregon’s Wolf Population Growth Since Return

April 20, 2022 — Conservationists are concerned about the plateau of Oregon’s wolf population in 2021, largely resulting from poaching and agency killings. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (ODFW) annual wolf population report, released late yesterday, shows Oregon’s wolf population grew by the lowest percentage (just over one percent) since wolves naturally returned to the state. The 2021 minimum population of 175 wolves increased by just two animals from the 2020 minimum count of 173.

2020 Oregon Wolf Numbers Are In!

April 21, 2021 — Today, gray wolf advocates are celebrating the positive trends for wolves in Oregon in 2020. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (ODFW) annual state wolf report shows Oregon’s wolf population increased by 9.5% to a minimum count of 173 wolves. While 22 packs were identified, just 17 met the criteria of breeding pairs (an adult female and adult male with at least two pups surviving to December 31st of their year of birth), two fewer than at the end of 2019. Seven additional small groups of two to three wolves were documented; these groups are not considered packs, as a pack is defined as four or more wolves traveling together in winter. Wolf activity was documented in 12 Oregon counties and 35 geographic areas.