Gray wolf scat survey:
WOLVERINE TRACKING PROJECT
ABOUT THE gray wolf in Oregon
Gray wolves (Canis lupus) are native to Oregon and the Pacific northwest; however, in the 1940s gray wolves were extirpated (became locally extinct) from Oregon. In the late 1990s, gray wolves from northern Idaho began to disperse and reestablish themselves in eastern Oregon. As these packs grew, their members dispersed as well, and in 2011 the first wolf since 1947 traveled through western Oregon. This individual, named Journey (OR-7), originated in the Wallowa Mountains and would go on to establish the Rogue wolf pack in southwestern Oregon with another dispersing female from the east. The Rogue pack’s progeny met with other dispersing wolves and established packs in southern Oregon and northern California, where wolves were also extirpated in the 1920s.
In 2017, a pair of wolves was documented on the Warm Springs Reservation – the first pair of wolves in northwestern Oregon in over half a century! This pair established themselves here, and with three pups surviving through the end of 2018, the new family was designated the White River wolf pack. In 2019, the pack had a litter of five additional pups, at least two of which are confirmed to have survived until the end of 2019, bringing the total pack estimate to five individuals.
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Areas of known wolf activity, December 2019. Courtesy: ODFW
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In 2018, Cascadia Wild’s Wolverine Tracking Project trail cameras captured some of the first images of the White River pack in Mt Hood National Forest, confirming the western extent of their range. Since then, we have continued to monitor their presence in the forest through our wildlife camera surveys, capturing photos of what are believed to be the breeding pair of the Warm Springs pack in 2019. Also in 2019, we initiated the Gray Wolf Scat Survey to encourage volunteers to look for scat and other signs of wolves in the National Forest.
One of the first photographs of the White River wolf pack breeding pair, the first pack to establish themselves in the area in over half a century! Captured by Cascadia Wild's Wolverine Tracking Project, Summer 2018
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These two gray wolves, at two different locations, are thought to be the breeding pair of the White River wolf pack. Captured by Cascadia Wild's Wolverine Tracking Project Camera Survey, Summer 2019.
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goals of the gray wolf scat survey
The genetic data from this survey will be used by researchers to help determine:
- the extent of the White River wolf pack's range in Mt Hood National Forest,
- the dispersal area of the pack's young, and
- if wolves from other packs are also traveling through or establishing in this area.
We are also interested in how the presence of wolves is shaping the ecosystem of their new home. Using multi-year data collected on our camera and scat surveys, we are also looking for signs of change in the presence or habitat use of the local coyote populations in areas where gray wolves have been confirmed.
Gray wolf genetic samples are analyzed by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW).
Data about the gray wolf is shared with our partners, including: Mt Hood National Forest Service and Defenders of Wildlife.
Gray wolf genetic samples are analyzed by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW).
Data about the gray wolf is shared with our partners, including: Mt Hood National Forest Service and Defenders of Wildlife.
Get involved
I'd like to help collect vital information for gray wolf's protection and management. How do I join the Wolf Survey Team?
If you are out in the woods, keep an eye out for any gray wolf scat or sign! If you find something, let us know. Where should I look for wolf scat or sign?
*Gray wolves could be found anywhere and at any time in the Mt Hood National Forest.* Gray wolves are habitat generalists: they have a very diverse diet and will make their home wherever there is ample food to sustain them. Always keep a lookout for their sign. What should I look for?
ODFW has information on how to identify gray wolf scat and sign identification, as well as a lot of information on wolf biology. Keep in mind: wolf and coyote scat are very similar. The biggest differentiation is the size: greater than 1.25 inches in diameter is likely wolf scat! It can be helpful to look for other sign in the area to verify the species as well, such as tracks.
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![]() Area of known activity of the White River wolf pack, 12/31/2021. Courtesy ODFW
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Potential gray wolf scat collected on a survey, Summer 2019
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What do I do if I find wolf scat or sign?
If you find a wolf track, scat, or other sign, please do the following:
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If you would like more information or have questions: Contact us.
Cascadia Wild operates a formalized Gray Wolf Scat Survey that follows established transects and collects specific data points on other sign and wildlife. Due to the sensitive nature of the information associated with this survey, the formal survey is only open by invitation to select current, trusted volunteers already working with the Wolverine Tracking Project. However, we invite everyone to join our informal survey and be part of our Wolf Survey Team.
Read more about other survey volunteer opportunities: Join the WTP
Read more about other survey volunteer opportunities: Join the WTP