Gray Wolf


We have no documented grey wolves in the watershed.

The gray wolf (Canis lupus) is listed as one of the species of greatest concern in the Cedar River Watershed Habitat Conservation Plan. In Washington it is listed as endangered by both the federal and state governments.

The gray wolf is a highly adaptable and wide-ranging species. Average dispersal distance is 60 miles, but individuals can travel more than 500 miles. They can use almost any natural habitat, including forest lands and natural openings such as alpine meadows and wetlands. The limiting factors for wolves are an adequate ungulate prey base of elk and deer and low levels of human activity.

Because the gray wolf is such a wide-ranging species, it is possible that individuals may occasionally move through the watershed. The watershed can provide only limited prey for wolves because under the HCP we will not be clearcut logging and creating the early successional habitat used by ungulates. Small canopy gaps created by active forest habitat restoration projects may provide some temporary increased ungulate forage, but we do not anticipate significant increases in their populations as a result of restoration projects.


The wolf’s smaller relatives, coyotes, are common.

Because wolves are dependent on a large population of ungulates for food, we do not anticipate that the watershed alone would be able to support a breeding pack. The watershed could help support a pack on neighboring property, however, by providing relatively undisturbed habitat with a good population of small mammals as a supplemental food source.


Our goal is to maintain and protect existing gray wolf habitat.


What are we doing for Gray Wolf?

Protect All Watershed Habitats
Management of the watershed serves to avoid or minimize adverse effects of major events such as fire, spills of toxic materials, invasive species, and excessive human disturbance. Protection from human disturbance will likely provide the most benefit for any gray wolves using the watershed.
View more information on habitat protection.