Minnesota is one of the few states in the contiguous United States that has always maintained a viable wolf population. It harbors the largest wolf population in the lower 48 states, highlighting its role in wolf survival and recovery.
Minnesota’s Wolf Territory
Wolves in Minnesota are predominantly found across the northern and central regions of the state. The vast majority of the wolf population occupies the northeastern portion, where expansive wilderness areas provide suitable habitat. The estimated occupied range for wolves in Minnesota covers approximately 73,972 square kilometers.
Specific areas where wolves are abundant include the Superior National Forest, a long-standing stronghold, and Voyageurs National Park, located along the Canadian border. While historically confined to the far north, the wolf’s range has expanded considerably since the 1970s, reaching communities as far south as Center City, Milaca, Little Falls, and Detroit Lakes. Individual wolf packs maintain territories that can span hundreds of square miles, with an average territory size of 117.2 square kilometers.
Population and Preferred Habitats
Minnesota’s wolf population is stable, with a 2022-23 midwinter estimate of approximately 2,919 wolves, with a margin of error of +/- 800. This population is distributed among an estimated 631 wolf packs as of 2023, representing one of the highest wolf densities in North America. Within Voyageurs National Park, the wolf population has remained relatively consistent since the late 1990s, typically ranging from 30 to 50 wolves split into 6 to 9 packs. More recent counts from 2021-22 indicated about 66 wolves across 16 packs in and around the park.
Wolves primarily inhabit the state’s northern and central regions, which offer extensive wilderness. These areas are characterized by dense forests and inland wetlands, providing ample prey and suitable denning sites. The availability of prey, such as white-tailed deer, moose, and beaver, is a primary factor influencing wolf territory size and overall distribution. The rugged landscape, including numerous lakes, wetlands, and beaver dams, creates an ideal environment where wolves can thrive.
Conservation Journey
Gray wolves faced near extirpation from most of the contiguous United States by the early 1900s, with only a small number surviving in the remote northeastern corner of Minnesota. The federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 provided protection for wolves, listing them as endangered in 1974. At that time, Minnesota’s wolf population was estimated to be around 750 animals.
The successful recovery of the wolf population under federal protection led to several attempts to remove them from the endangered species list. However, these delisting efforts were often followed by court-ordered re-listings. As of February 2022, gray wolves in Minnesota are once again federally protected as a threatened species. Under current federal guidelines, wolves can only be legally taken in defense of human life. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources updated its wolf management plan in 2023, guiding ongoing conservation efforts.