Wyoming, a state celebrated for its expansive wilderness and diverse wildlife, often prompts questions about the presence of wolves. The answer is a clear affirmation, as gray wolves have established a significant presence in the state.
Yes, They Are Here: Current Status of Wolves in Wyoming
Gray wolves are established in Wyoming, with a stable population actively monitored by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD). As of December 31, 2023, Wyoming had at least 352 wolves across the state, distributed among 43 packs, including at least 24 breeding pairs. This robust number indicates Wyoming’s wolf population consistently exceeds the minimum recovery criteria set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a trend continued for 22 consecutive years. The WGFD considers these figures a census rather than an estimate.
Where Wolves Live: Geographic Distribution
Wolf distribution in Wyoming is concentrated in specific regions, primarily the northwest portion of the state. This area includes Yellowstone National Park and the Bridger-Teton National Forest, offering extensive public and forested lands with lower human and livestock densities. Over half of Wyoming’s wolf population resides in this northwestern corner, which also encompasses Grand Teton National Park. Wolves are territorial, with each pack establishing an exclusive territory for survival and reproduction.
How Wolves Are Managed: Regulatory Frameworks
The management of gray wolves in Wyoming involves a complex legal and administrative framework. Wolves are managed under two distinct legal classifications, depending on their location: “trophy game animal” or “predatory animal.” The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) holds management authority for wolves designated as trophy game animals within the Wolf Trophy Game Management Area (WTGMA) in northwest Wyoming. This designation allows for regulated hunting seasons and quotas in this specific zone.
Outside the WTGMA, wolves are classified as predatory animals under Wyoming state law. In these areas, wolves are not actively managed by the WGFD and can be harvested year-round without a license, though any harvested wolf must be reported to the department within 10 days. This dual classification system reflects the legally defined approach to wolf management in the state, guided by Wyoming Statute Title 23, Chapter 1. The WGFD’s monitoring efforts include collaring individual wolves to track packs, allowing for an accurate census of the population, pack composition, reproduction, and overall health.
The Journey Back: A History of Wolf Recovery
Wolves were largely extirpated from Wyoming by the early 20th century due to persecution and poisoning. Their return began with reintroduction efforts in the mid-1990s. Wolves were reintroduced into Yellowstone National Park in 1995 and 1996, with additional reintroductions in central Idaho. These efforts stemmed from the Endangered Species Act (ESA), aiming to recover gray wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountain states.
After successful reintroduction and population growth, gray wolves were delisted from federal protection. This allowed for state management, with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department assuming authority in 2017. The recovery program has successfully established a wolf population that continues to exceed recovery goals.