Wolves are a significant part of Wyoming’s natural heritage, occupying a unique ecological role as apex predators. Their presence sparks considerable public interest regarding their population numbers and management.
Current Wolf Population in Wyoming
As of December 31, 2023, Wyoming’s gray wolf population maintained robust numbers, with at least 352 wolves inhabiting the state. These wolves were distributed among 43 packs, which included at least 24 breeding pairs.
The majority of these wolves reside in the northwest portion of Wyoming within the Wolf Trophy Game Management Area (WTGMA), where at least 192 wolves and 17 breeding pairs were recorded. This represents an increase from the 2022 statewide count of 338 wolves, reflecting a healthy and growing population trend. These figures, compiled annually by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) and partnering agencies, represent a minimum count based on comprehensive monitoring efforts.
How Wolf Populations Are Monitored
Monitoring wolf populations in Wyoming primarily relies on advanced techniques, with telemetry collaring playing a central role. Biologists actively capture and fit wolves with GPS or traditional VHF radio collars for continuous tracking and observation. This method enables agencies to conduct a near-census of the population rather than relying solely on estimations.
Biologists strive to have at least one or two collared wolves in most packs to effectively monitor their movements and distribution. Beyond collaring, monitoring efforts include regular aerial surveys, ground investigations of den and rendezvous sites, and howling surveys. The WGFD also tracks pack composition, genetic health, and survival rates of pups and adult wolves to understand population health.
Wolf Management and Population Trends
The history of wolves in Wyoming reflects a significant recovery, following their extirpation by the 1930s. Reintroduction efforts in Yellowstone National Park in 1995 and 1996 proved successful, leading to a flourishing population that expanded into Wyoming. By 2011, the state’s wolf population had grown to an estimated 328 individuals, leading to their eventual delisting from the Endangered Species Act in 2017.
Wyoming manages its wolf population under a dual classification system. Wolves in the northwest region, within the Wolf Trophy Game Management Area (WTGMA), are classified as trophy game animals, while those in other areas are designated as predatory animals. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department oversees the management of trophy game wolves, implementing hunting seasons with objectives such as stabilizing the population in the WTGMA. This adaptive management approach includes setting mortality limits and addressing conflicts with livestock.
The state’s management framework, in coordination with other jurisdictions, aims to maintain healthy wolf numbers while balancing ecological and human needs. For 22 consecutive years, Wyoming has consistently met or exceeded the recovery criteria, demonstrating the effectiveness of current management strategies. The increase in 2023 was attributed to increased recruitment of young wolves and lower mortality rates. This success has coincided with a notable decrease in verified livestock conflicts, reaching the lowest numbers since 2010.