OLYMPIA — Gray wolves will remain on the endangered species list in Washington after a close 5-4 vote by the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Commission, according to a Washington Policy Center press release. Over the past 15 years, the gray wolf population has grown significantly, with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife counting at least 260 wolves in 42 packs.

The gray wolf population has met all recovery goals except one: natural regional dispersal into Western Washington. While they were removed from the Federal Endangered Species List in 2021, they will continue to be protected at the state level.