Wolf complaints reach record high in Minnesota

From NewsBreak.com:

If you’ve complained about wolves, you’re not alone.

An annual record 252 calls for wolf conflict management assistance related to livestock, poultry, pet owners, or citizens concerned about public safety, were received in 2024 by Minnesota United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services, according to a USDA Wildlife Services report.

St. Louis County registered the highest number of wolf complaints among Minnesota’s 87 counties with 20 verified complaints, according to the report.

St. Louis County also had the most wolves removed by USDA Wildlife Services in 2024 among all Minnesota counties with 42.

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Wolf Torture Leads List Of New High-Profile Wyoming Wildlife Laws

From CowboyStateDaily.com:

A new law outlawing predator torture, prompted by the torture of a wolf, marked a significant change in Wyoming’s wildlife policy during the 2025 legislative session.

But some criticized lawmakers for not outlawing running over wolves with snowmobiles or doing more to protect dogs from getting maimed or killed in traps.

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More endangered Mexican gray wolves are roaming the southwestern US, annual survey shows

From APNews.com:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — It is a ritual that takes place every winter — federal and state wildlife managers use remote cameras, scat collection, radio telemetry devices and helicopters to count Mexican gray wolves that are roaming mountain ranges in parts of New Mexico and Arizona.

The predators that are captured during the annual survey are weighed and vaccinated, their blood is drawn and their radio collars are checked. It is all part of a decades-long effort to gauge the success of the work being done to return the endangered species to its historic range in the southwestern U.S. and in Mexico.

This year’s count shows the recovery of Mexican wolves is inching forward.

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[California’s] Approximate Area of Gray Wolf Activity

From California Department of Fish and Wildlife:

This map displays the approximate boundaries of known resident California wolf pack territories based on the best available data (e.g., GPS collar locations, trail camera images, tracks, and confirmed sightings). Areas of Wolf Activity are the approximate locations where two or more wolves have been detected but reproduction or persistent use of a specific area has not yet been documented.

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Colorado commission to decide on $343,000 for wolf kills at ranches

From AgDaily.com:

Controversial wolf compensation claims of more than $343,000 by two ranchers are scheduled to be heard at the March 5 and 6 Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting in Denver.

One of those claims, $287,407 by Farrell Livestock, is by far the largest compensation sought since the passage of Proposition 114 in 2020, which authorized the reintroduction of wolves and compensation for livestock losses due to the predator.

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Mexican gray wolf population grows for 9th year in a row [Arizona and New Mexico]

From KNAU.org:

The Southwestern population of endangered wild Mexican gray wolves has grown for the ninth consecutive year.

That is according to the most recent annual count by state and federal wildlife managers that showed at least 286 of the animals roaming eastern Arizona and western New Mexico.

Officials say it is the longest stretch of population growth since recovery of the species began almost three decades ago.

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Senate Bill 777 Proposes new wolf compensation rates for Oregon livestock producers

From ElkhornMediaGroup.com:

SALEM – A new piece of legislation could overhaul how compensation is provided to Oregon’s Livestock producers in the event of wolf depredations. Senate Bill 777, Relating to the depredation of livestock, would establish that compensation for injured or killed livestock and working dogs be based on fair market factors and recommendations from county advisory committees, in addition to other changes. As the Summary of the bill reads:

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World Wildlife Day: EU poised to weaken Habitats Directive amid growing concerns

From BelganNewsAgency.eu:

On World Wildlife Day, concern is growing over EU plans to weaken nature conservation laws, particularly the Habitats Directive. Although the wolf is the main target, other species could follow in its footsteps. ​

Adopted in 1992, the EU’s Habitats Directive protects more than a thousand species – including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, invertebrates and plants – and 230 habitat types. Its overall aim is to ensure that these species and habitats are maintained at or restored to a favourable conservation status. Beyond halting the decline, the directive aims to allow biodiversity to recover and thrive in the long term.

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What to know about wolves in midwinter

From WTIP.org:

There have been a lot of wolf sightings around Cook County recently. WTIP has heard reports of wolf activity close to homes, and one attack on a dog.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Large Carnivore Specialist Dan Stark told WTIP about typical wolf behavior in midwinter. He said two things are at play. It is breeding season, and some single juvenile wolves are “just trying to make it through the winter and find enough food to eat.” He added that mild winters can also give an advantage to prey during the winter, making finding enough food to survive tougher.

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Conservation triumph: There are 21,500 wolves across Europe, finds study

From DowntoEarth.org:

Europe is home to over 20,000 wolves (Canis lupus) and the species is continuing to make a remarkable comeback across the continent, a study published by a team of researchers on February 25, 2025, has found.

But as wolf numbers in Europe increase, their coexistence with human activities, notably farming and hunting, remains a challenge and requires navigating complex social, economic, and political contexts the study adds.

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