Gray wolves are stunning animals with a wide range of color variations. The males tend to weigh between 70 to 145 pounds, while the females weigh 60 to 100 pounds. Their historic range once covered over two-thirds of the United States, but today they only have populations in Alaska, northern Michigan, northern Wisconsin, western Montana, northern Idaho, northeast Oregon, some of Colorado, and in Wyoming.
In Oregon there were around 178 wolves as of 2023, with 22 packs and 15 breeding pairs. While encountering one in the wild is likely very rare, it would undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has provided a guide on what to expect in the event of a wolf encounter.
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife Keep Wolves Wild:
Wolves generally avoid human interactions, unless they have become habituated to people. Please do your part to keep wolves the way they belong—wild.
- Keep your distance from wolves. Remain at least 100 yards away when watching or photographing them. Wolves are wary of people; but they can lose their fear of humans when they become accustomed to them.
- Don’t feed wolves. You do not want wolves to associate people with food.
- Tell the land manager or ODFW if you see wolves near developed areas (such as campsites) or approaching people.
- Don’t feed other wildlife. Deer and small mammals can attract wolves, cougars and bears.
- Feed pets indoors. Never leave food outside.
- When camping, secure all food from wildlife and sleep away from cooking areas. Clean up your campsite before you leave it.
- Keep dogs leashed when outdoors. Wolves are territorial and may think your dog is a threat.
- Steer clear of pups and any young wildlife—mother is likely nearby. Leave the area if you see pups or hear wolves howling at you.
- If you hunt with dogs, avoid known areas of wolf activity. Check for wolf tracks and sign before letting dogs loose.
- Using an air horn is a great way to scare wolves away without hurting them. It is dangerous for wolves when they have lost their fear of people.