Conservation Northwest

A remote camera catches the six wolf pups in western Okanogan County.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Scientists have confirmed the first resident pack of wolves in Washington state since the 1930's.

The two wolves were located and fitted with radio collars last Friday in western Okanogan County.

Genetic tests have confirmed the animals are wild, gray wolves. One of those animals, an adult male, was later photographed by remote camera in a location where six pups also were photographed. The other adult is female.

"The re-appearance of a resident wolf pack in Washington is evidence of a functioning ecosystem and good news for those working to preserve the state’s biodiversity," said Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Jeff Koenings.

Preliminary results from additional genetic testing indicate the two wolves likely originated from British Columbia-Alberta populations.