Oregon's Annual Wolf Count Reveals Increase in Packs, Decrease in Wolf-Livestock Conflicts

There are six new confirmed wolf packs in Oregon, according to the annual wolf report released Wednesday by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW). The total wolf population was reported at a minimum of 158 wolves. This is an increase of 21 individuals, a 15% increase, from the 2018 wolf count. This is the largest increase wolves have experienced in Oregon in recent years, despite having lost key recovery protections under the new Wolf Management Plan.

Sristi Kamal, Senior Oregon Representative for Defenders of Wildlife, issued the following statement:

“The new wolf count is good news for Oregon’s wolves, but there is still much work to be done. While wolves have seen a notable increase in the past year, their numbers are still low. The growth of breeding pairs and the decrease in wolf-livestock conflicts are very encouraging indications of what Oregon’s future could look like with meaningful wolf protections. 

“New packs dispersing throughout the state, especially toward the western side, brings hope for our landscape. Oregon will not see the full ecological benefits wolves provide until the species returns to large areas of sustainable habitat still unoccupied. We look forward to working with agency staff, landowners and ranchers to create a future that is beneficial for both humans and predators.” 

Background
•    ODFW confirmed seven wolf deaths in the state in 2019, six of which were human-caused.
•    While the total wolf population increased, agency staff reported that wolf depredations decreased by 43% in 2019, numbering just 16 compared to 28 confirmed depredations in 2018. According to ODFW, no wolves were lethally removed due to chronic wolf depredations in 2019.
•    The wolf count comes months after a new Wolf Management Plan, which was finalized by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission in June 2019. This management plan included anti-wolf practices and erased key recovery measures.