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Oregon at a glance
Areas of Known Wolf Activity – December 31, 2023
Gray wolves once existed throughout Oregon. However, extirpation of wolves (elimination) began shortly after the arrival of European settlers.
A breeding pair was confirmed in a forested area of northern Union County in July 2008, the first evidence of multiple wolves and wolf reproduction in Oregon since wolves were extirpated from the state back in the mid-1940s. In 2009, the first pups were confirmed. As of 2023, about 22 known packs totaling a minimum of 178 wolves are now inhabiting the state, with most of the packs in northeastern Oregon, and a few in the southwest part of the state. Main prey for wolves there are elk, moose and deer. See map to the right for range.
According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife: As of November 10, 2015 wolves are no longer listed as a state Endangered Species in Oregon. They are still considered a special status game mammal, protected by the Oregon Wolf Plan throughout the state. Wolves are totally protected by the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) in western Oregon.
The ESA delisting does not allow additional taking wolves in any phase of wolf management. Wolves in Oregon are managed under phases determined by the number of wolves and their distribution across the state. Wolves were removed from the federal Endangered Species List east of Highways 395/78/95 in 2011. Wolves were removed from the Endangered Species list west of that line on January 4, 2021 then relisted on February 10, 2022. Therefore, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service retains management authority west of Highways 395/78/95 and makes all decisions regarding harassment and lethal removal in that area.
The ESA delisting does not allow additional taking wolves in any phase of wolf management. Wolves in Oregon are managed under phases determined by the number of wolves and their distribution across the state. The State’s Wolf Plan is more protective while the wolf population is low and less restrictive as the population increases.
For more information on these events, please visit the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
Species Information
Species
Common Name: gray wolf, northwestern wolf, Rocky Mountain wolf
Latin Name: Canis lupus
Location: northeastern and southwestern Oregon
Current Wolf Population, Trend, Status
Number of gray wolves: A minimum of 178 at the end of 2023, as estimated by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. OR Wolf population numbers.
Population trend: Stable
Legal status: Oregon is divided into three wolf management zones. In the Eastern management zone, wolves are federally delisted. In the Central and Western management zones, wolves are federally protected.
The Imnaha wolf pack’s alpha male after being refitted with a working GPS collar on May 19, 2011. Photo courtesy of ODFW.
Attitudes and Issues
- Report Oregon wolf sightings here
- Take the Oregon Department and Fish and Wildlife test on identifying gray wolves and coyotes
- Frequently asked questions on wolves in Oregon
- Wolves in Oregon are not native; agriculture groups contend
- From exterminated to a rebounding population: A brief history of wolves in Oregon
- What hikers in Oregon need to know about wolves
- What hunters in Oregon need to know about wolves
History
Recovery and management
Information related to legal status and management plans and practices in Oregon
- Wolf Management Plan
- 2015 updated biological status review for delisting from Endangered Species Act
- Sign up to receive wolf news from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Oregon wolf research updates
Depredation
