Defenders of Wildlife Concerned By Oregon Wolf Population Stagnation as Poaching Increases

Today, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) announced that Oregon’s population of gray wolves saw a minimal increase from 175 wolves to 178. This concerning population stagnation is partially attributed to increased poaching incidents and state-sponsored lethal control efforts in response to livestock predations.

This decline marks the third time—and the second year in a row— that the state’s wolf population has not increased markedly. 

“As Oregon policymakers  prepare to update the Oregon Wolf Plan, this year’s minimal population increase needs to be setting off alarm bells,” said Zoe Hanley, senior Northwest representative with Defenders of Wildlife. “Oregon state agencies need to commit to using effective nonlethal methods to reduce livestock losses, prioritize preventing and prosecuting poaching cases, and help communities on the leading edges of wolf recovery prepare for their return.”

Seven wolves were illegally killed during 2022 and six human-caused wolf deaths are still under investigation. ODFW killed another six wolves in response to livestock depredation. In positive news, the wolf population continues to expand into the Cascades where there are now six resident groups.