The time for gray wolf management to change is now

The gray wolf population in Washington state set a reproduction record, growing by an astounding 44 animals in 2023. The state’s wolf population has increased for 15 years in a row and is now at its highest level since it was listed.

The question is, what will it take for the state to change its management policy for the predators?

Last year we proposed a state delisting of gray wolves in the eastern-most third of Washington state. We also proposed an incremental, local approach to delisting as gray wolves dispersed throughout the state. This would allow thoughtful management that relied on in...