Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Dan Kraker
Duluth

DNR: Minnesota wolf population down slightly; packs grow in size

Wolves
In this February 2008 photo, gray wolves howl at an exhibit area at the International Wolf Center in Ely, Minn. A drop in Minnesota's deer population is compelling wolves to travel in larger packs.
John Flesher | AP 2008

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Minnesota's wolf population is down slightly, according to the latest survey from the Department of Natural Resources.

The count from this past winter estimates 2,221 wolves in the state. That's down about 200 wolves from last year's survey, but it's nearly identical to the 2013 count, said DNR wolf research scientist John Erb.

"Our wolf population remains healthy. Our wolf range encompasses a very large area of the state and that in itself is a positive attribute that helps ensure good conservation status," Erb said.

The biggest change is in the number of wolf packs. Researchers estimated 374 packs this past winter, down about 100 from last year. The packs are also slightly larger and are prowling larger territories, because of a drop in the deer population, Erb said.

Packs require larger areas to meet their nutritional demands to maintain a competitive pack size. Average pack size grew this year to 5.1 wolves, up from 4.4 wolves. Their average territory size also grew, from 58 square miles to 73. Erb expects the wolf population to increase along with deer numbers.

Minnesota's wolf population has grown from fewer than 750 animals in the 1950s. It peaked at around 3,000 wolves in 2004.

Hunters killed 272 wolves last year during Minnesota's third wolf hunting season. There will not be a wolf hunting season this year, after a federal judge in December placed Great Lakes wolves back under endangered species protection.