These US States Have Wild Wolves

Wolves are some of the most fascinating creatures in America’s wilderness, and many states offer unique opportunities to see them in their natural habitats. Wild wolves are unfortunately fairly rare in the US with only 13 states that wild wolves call home, therefore 37 US where you won’t find wolves. From Alaska’s vast tundras to Oregon’s high deserts, each state provides a distinct landscape that supports these majestic predators. Let’s explore where you can find wolves in the U.S. and what makes these places special.

1. Alaska

Tucked away in the wilderness, Alaska is the state with the largest population of wolves in the US. Here you’ll find the northwestern wolf, also known as the Alaskan timber wolf, the largest gray wolf subspecies. The state’s expansive wilderness, including forests and tundras, provides the perfect habitat for these predators. With a population of over 9,000 wolves, fortunately, these wolf packs haven’t experienced the threats of endangerment like the wolves in lower states.

2. Arizona

Arizona is home to the Mexican gray wolf. In the late 20th century, the Mexican gray wolves in Arizona were almost hunted to extinction. However, 11 Mexican gray wolves were released in the federally designated Blue Range Recovery Area as part of the 1982 Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery Plan. Today, the wolf population has grown to 114 thanks to conservation efforts. Arizona’s rugged landscapes and remote areas provide an ideal setting for these elusive animals.

3. California

California has a growing population of gray wolves, covering coastal areas from San Diego to Sacramento and stretching inland toward the Sierra Nevadas Mountain Range. While the wolves in California were declared extinct in 1924, gray wolves have since naturally returned with the first wild wolf pack being declared in 2015 for the first time in almost a century. Now there are a confirmed 45 wolves in the state, but it’s quickly growing with the first litter of gray wolves from these new packs born in 2021!

4. Idaho

In Idaho, you’ll find a large population of northwestern wolves. Almost hunted to extinction, wolves were reintroduced in 1995 and 1996 as part of the effort to facilitate the recovery of gray wolves. With over 1,500 wolves now thriving in Idaho, it is no longer considered an endangered species. The state’s expansive forests, mountains, and remote areas provide an excellent habitat for wolves.

5. Michigan

In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, gray wolves are a common sight with over 600 wolves and a stable population. The gray wolves in Michigan are a part of the Great Plains Wolf subspecies. Protected by the state, the wolves were removed from the endangered list in 2021 but were re-listed in 2022 which should hopefully help support and protect the growth of wild wolf populations in this state. The dense forests and abundant prey make this region ideal for wolves. 

6. Minnesota

Minnesota is known for its significant gray wolf population, second only to Alaska. With over 2,700 gray wolves, Minnesota has put in extensive efforts to protect the wolves, banning recreational hunting of wolves. Minnesota’s landscape is attractive to wolves due to its vast forests and abundant water sources, providing ample cover and prey like deer. The state’s remote, undeveloped, and sparsely populated northern regions offer a perfect and safe habitat for wolf packs to thrive.

7. Montana

Montana is another state with a stable wolf population, home to the northwestern wolf. After habitation loss and hunting caused the wolf population to rapidly decline in the 20th century, recovery efforts have since helped grow the numbers, aided by the reintroduction of wolves in Idaho which naturally disperses into neighboring states. The state’s rugged terrain and diverse ecosystems support a thriving wolf population, especially in national parks like Yellowstone National Park.

8. New Mexico

New Mexico is home to a population of Mexican gray wolves, especially in the Gila National Forest. However, with a wolf population of 136 and only 40 packs, they are still considered endangered. Conservation efforts have helped these wolves reestablish themselves in their native range. The remote and rugged areas, particularly in the Gila National Forest, provide an ideal and safe habitat for the Mexican gray wolf to thrive.

9. North Carolina

With the lowest population of wild wolves, North Dakota is working hard to reintroduce and save red wolves from extinction. Declared critically endangered, there are currently less than 20 red wolves in North Carolina. These wolves face numerous challenges, including habitat loss and hybridization with coyotes. Fortunately, the Red Wolf Recovery Area in The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge has established a safe and protected habitat for these wolves since being reintroduced in 1988. 

10. Oregon

Oregon’s wolf population has been steadily growing, with an estimated 180 individuals primarily residing in the eastern part of the state. These wolves thrive in the diverse landscapes of Oregon, ranging from dense forests to open high deserts, which provide ample prey and cover. The reestablishment of wolves in Oregon began in the early 2000s when wolves naturally dispersed from Idaho, seeking new territories.

11. Washington

Washington State is home to a steadily growing wolf population, estimated at around 260 individuals and 36 wolf packs. The state’s first documented wolf pack, the Lookout Pack, was confirmed in 2008 with the number of packs steadily increasing since. Key areas include the Colville National Forest and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, which provide the remote and wild conditions that wolves thrive in.

12. Wisconsin

Home to the Great Plains wolf, Wisconsin is known for its healthy population of gray wolves with more than 1,00 wolves. Making it illegal to hunt wolves, Wisconsin’s commitment to wolf conservation, including protection measures and habitat management, has been crucial in maintaining this large population. The state’s dense forests, including the Chequamegon National Forest and the Nicolet National Forest, provide ample habitat and prey for the gray wolves to thrive.

13. Wyoming

Wyoming has a significant wolf population, especially in the Yellowstone National Park. With over 350 northwestern wolves, the wolves in Wyoming were successfully taken off the endangered species list in 17 due to recovery efforts The state’s diverse landscapes, including national parks and wilderness areas, support a thriving wolf community. Wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone in the mid-1990s, and since then, their population has flourished due to the park’s abundant prey and protected status.

Conclusion

The return and growth of wolf populations across various states highlight successful conservation efforts and the resilience of these remarkable animals. Whether it’s the vast wilderness of Minnesota or the rugged terrains of New Mexico, each state offers a unique glimpse into the lives of wolves. These thriving populations are a testament to the importance of preserving natural habitats and ensuring a balanced coexistence with wildlife.