Wisconsin’s landscapes are home to the gray wolf, a resilient predator whose presence shapes the state’s natural environment. Once nearly absent, these animals have returned to become a significant part of Wisconsin’s wildlife, influencing ecosystems and presenting ongoing considerations for humans living alongside them.
A History of Return
Wolves were once widespread across Wisconsin, with estimates suggesting a population of 3,000 to 5,000 before European settlement. By the early 20th century, sustained hunting, trapping, and bounty systems led to a severe decline. Fewer than 50 wolves remained by 1950, and by 1960, they were considered extirpated from the state.
Their recovery began following federal protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1974. This allowed wolf populations in neighboring Minnesota to rebound, leading to natural dispersal and recolonization of northern Wisconsin by the mid-1970s. Wisconsin officially listed the wolf as a state endangered species in 1975. Formal monitoring by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) started in 1979.
Current Status and Ecological Role
The gray wolf population in Wisconsin was estimated at 972 wolves in 288 packs during the 2021-2022 overwinter period. These populations are primarily distributed in the forested areas of northern and central Wisconsin, where deer and other prey species like beaver and hare are abundant.
As apex predators, wolves structure ecosystems by influencing prey populations, particularly white-tailed deer. They target older, younger, sick, or weakened individuals, contributing to the overall health of the prey population. This predation also impacts vegetation, as a balanced deer population leads to less overbrowsing of saplings and increased diversity of understory plants.
Managing the Population
Wolf management in Wisconsin operates within a framework shaped by frequently changing federal and state regulations. Following federal protection under the ESA in 1974, wolves have been repeatedly delisted and relisted, allowing for periods of state management, including regulated hunting seasons. A federal court ruling on February 10, 2022, once more placed gray wolves under federal protection across the lower 48 states, prohibiting hunting and lethal control.
The Wisconsin Wolf Management Plan guides the DNR’s approach to wolf populations. The most recent update, the Wisconsin Wolf Management Plan 2023, was approved by the Natural Resources Board in October 2023, following public input and tribal consultations. This plan outlines strategies for population monitoring, conflict resolution, and public education. While federally protected, lethal removal of wolves is prohibited unless there is an immediate threat to human safety.
Living Alongside Wolves
The presence of wolves leads to human interactions, sometimes resulting in conflict. Common concerns include livestock depredation and encounters with pets or hunting dogs. While non-lethal deterrents are promoted, verified incidents of depredation lead to compensation payments for losses. In 2024, there were 84 confirmed or probable wolf depredation cases, an increase from previous years.
Public attitudes towards wolves in Wisconsin are diverse, ranging from appreciation for their ecological role to concerns about their impact on property and safety. The Wisconsin DNR and USDA-Wildlife Services partner to address wolf conflicts, investigating reported incidents and offering assistance. Under current federal protection, non-lethal methods are emphasized to promote coexistence.