Gray Wolf

Canis lupus

Three gray wolves stand close together among snowy trees, alert and looking in the same direction in a winter forest scene.

Wolves are team players

Wolves are shy when it comes to people, generally avoiding humans. In contrast, wolves are very social with their own kind. They live in family groups called “packs” that have complex social structures. Wolves work together to raise their pups, taking turns watching the den while others go out to

An adult wolf and two playful wolf pups stand in a field full of white daisies and purple wildflowers. The pups are nuzzling and interacting with the adult wolf.

How do wolves communicate

Body language: Facial expressions and body posture reflect a wolf’s status in the group.

Voice: Howls allow communication over long distances

Scent: Dominant wolves mark their territory with urine

Two gray wolves in a forested area; one is standing and sniffing the other, which is lying on its back playfully among fallen leaves and dirt, with sunlight filtering through the trees. — Wolves bond through playful wrestling

Diet: Wolves hunt in groups for large prey like moose, deer, and elk. They snack on rodents and rabbits when hunting solo.

Range: Forests, prairies, tundra, and deserts across the Northern Hemisphere

Global conservation status: Least Concern

Status in Washington: Endangered

A gray wolf stands among green ferns and tree trunks in a forest, looking alert with its mouth slightly open, showing its teeth.

Return of the Wolves

Recovering historic territory in the Pacific Northwest

Gray wolves were once common in Washington state. By the 1930s, hunters and settlers had wiped out the wolf population. With the help of state and federal protection, wolves are reoccupying our state. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife tracks their numbers and pack locations.

Illustrated map showing wolf packs in Washington state — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife publishes annual reports on the changing wolf population in our state: wdfw.wa.gov

How do wolves affect ecosystems?

It’s complex! As wolves move back into Washington, researchers are watching to see if:

Wolves and cougars compete for prey
Wolves displace coyotes
Deer and elk populations change
Ranchers have success with strategies that keep wolves away from their herds
Wolves increase ecotourism opportunities

Three elk stand in a snowy forest with evergreen trees dusted in snow. The two elk on the sides have short antlers, while the elk in the center has large antlers. The scene is calm and wintry. — Deer and elk are preferred prey animals for wolves.

What does coexistence mean to you?

Living in the Pacific Northwest means we learn to coexist with wildlife. Where do you live? How do you make your living? Do you have pets? How do you relax with family? We can all create our own strategies for living alongside wildlife.