OREGON — Oregon’s gray wolf population continued to grow in 2025, even as the state recorded its highest number of documented wolf deaths on record, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW).
State biologists reported the wolf population increased from 204 to 230 animals, marking a 13% rise compared to the previous year. Officials say the expansion reflects continued recovery and westward movement of wolves across Oregon.
Wolf Packs and Breeding Pairs Increase
The latest annual wolf report shows Oregon now has 30 confirmed wolf packs, along with 13 additional small groups of two or three wolves that have not yet met pack classification criteria.
Wildlife officials also documented 23 breeding pairs, up from 17 in 2024, signaling continued reproductive growth across the state.
ODFW says wolves in Oregon are either born locally or migrate in from the northern Rocky Mountains, as the species was not formally reintroduced in the state.
Livestock Conflicts and Wolf Management Actions Rise
Alongside population growth, officials reported an increase in livestock attacks. In 2025, the state confirmed 106 livestock deaths attributed to wolves, up from 69 the previous year.
In response, wildlife officials said 20 wolves were lethally removed by the state as part of conflict management actions. Additionally, ranchers legally killed three wolves after encountering them during livestock attacks.
Altogether, 42 wolf deaths were documented in 2025, the highest annual total on record. That figure also includes deaths from vehicle collisions and at least one illegal poisoning case.
Debate Over Wolf Protection Continues
The rising livestock impacts have renewed political debate over wolf protections in Oregon. U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, whose district covers much of eastern Oregon, has continued to advocate for removing gray wolves from the Endangered Species Act, citing ranching losses.
Conservation groups, however, argue that population gains show successful recovery and caution against lethal control measures.
“It’s great news that Oregon’s wolf population and breeding pairs increased last year,” said Amaroq Weiss of the Center for Biological Diversity. “The bad news is wolf recovery in Oregon continues to be threatened by people killing wolves.”
Conservation Efforts and Compensation Programs
State agencies say they are continuing efforts to reduce conflict between wolves and livestock through non-lethal strategies such as range management support, deterrent tools, and outreach programs for ranchers.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture also distributed more than $729,000 in grants last year to support livestock producers, with much of the funding directed toward preventive, non-lethal wolf management practices.
Long-Term Growth Trend
ODFW data shows Oregon’s wolf population has steadily increased over the past two years after remaining relatively stable between 2020 and 2023. The current population is significantly higher than in 2009, when only 14 wolves were documented statewide.
Wildlife officials say they will continue monitoring population trends, livestock impacts, and pack expansion as Oregon’s wolf recovery continues to evolve.
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