Environment
Idaho Wolf Population Declines Amid Increased Hunting and Trapping Efforts
Idaho’s wolf population decreased to an estimated 1,129 animals in 2025 as state officials work to reduce the population through expanded hunting and trapping, Idaho Department of Fish and Game officials said this month. Statewide, the wolf population is down…
Last updated:
Key points
- Idaho’s wolf population has decreased to approximately 1,129, down from 1,235 in 2024.
- State officials aim to reduce the population to around 500 wolves through expanded hunting and trapping.
- Concerns have been raised about the accuracy of wolf population estimates and the impact of hunting strategies.
NewsWK — In Idaho, state officials report a significant decrease in the wolf population, which now stands at approximately 1,129 animals as of May 2025. This reflects a reduction of 106 wolves from the previous year’s estimate of 1,235, according to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
The decline in wolf numbers has been ongoing since 2020, when estimates indicated over 1,650 wolves roamed the state. Wildlife Program Coordinator Cory Mosby stated, “Our wolf population is decreasing statewide, and that is very much an intentional effort by the department,” during a recent Fish and Game Commission meeting.
State officials have expressed a desire to further reduce the wolf population to around 500 animals. This has been facilitated by legislative changes over the past five years that expanded hunting and trapping seasons and methods. Mosby confirmed, “In our plan, our objective is to reduce the statewide wolf population to around 500 animals. That’s like our ultimate marching orders goal.”
Historically, wolves were eradicated from Idaho and much of the U.S. Rocky Mountains by the 1930s due to widespread poisoning and trapping. They were reintroduced in the 1990s, leading to a complex recovery story marked by both success and controversy.
Additionally, advocates for wolf preservation have raised concerns regarding the accuracy of population estimates and the potential impacts of aggressive hunting strategies. The state employs a new estimation method involving genetic data from wolves killed, which has modified the timing and approach used to gauge population numbers.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting by Clark Corbin originally published by Stateline. Read the original story.
