Wolf pop. holds stable around 2,200

Published 10:07 am Tuesday, August 11, 2015

ST. PAUL (AP) — Wildlife managers say Minnesota’s wolf population is holding steady at roughly 2,200 animals.

The Department of Natural Resources said its latest population surveys show no significant change in Minnesota’s wolf population during the past three winters. Although the new estimate of 2,221 wolves is lower than the previous winter’s 2,423, the DNR said the difference is not statistically significant.

The population survey is conducted in mid-winter near the low point of the annual wolf population cycle. The population typically doubles when pups are born each spring, though many pups don’t survive.

Email newsletter signup

Minnesota’s wolf population remains above the state’s minimum target of at least 1,600 and above the federal goal of 1,251 to 1,400.