WOLVERINE TRACKING PROJECT:
wolf survey
wolves in Oregon
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Gray wolves (Canis lupus) are native to Oregon and the Pacific northwest; however, they were extirpated (became locally extinct) from the state and much of the western US by the 1940s. Then in 1995, wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone and Idaho. From there, their populations grew and expanded. By 2008 dispersing wolves had settled down in eastern Oregon, and in 2011 the first wolf, named Journey, traveled through western Oregon and settled down in southwestern part of our state to found the Rogue Pack.
Then in 2018, a pair of wolves were seen on the Mt Hood National Forest and the adjacent Warm Springs Reservation – the first pair in northwestern Oregon in over half a century! These wolves established themselves here, and with three pups surviving through the end of 2018, the new family was designated the White River wolf pack! 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. Since then, we have continued to help monitor the presence of wolves in the forest. |
Oregon Dept of Fish and Wildlife's Areas of known wolf activity, December 2023. Courtesy: ODFW
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group tracking surveys
Wolves have extensive home ranges, up to 350 square miles, or about twice the size of Portland metro area, and can easily travel 30 mile a day. Because they are so wide roaming, they are difficult to monitor, and your help can provide valuable information to help biologists better understand and manage their presence.
This summer, we will have 5-7 group tracking surveys designed to search for sign of wolves on the Mt Hood National Forest. As with our winter tracking surveys, groups will be lead by experienced trackers, and provide provide a place where people of all skill levels can come and help. No previous experience necessary! Even if you are new to tracking and the outdoors, your observations are valuable, providing more eyes and brain-power to help find tracks and other sign.
Survey trips are day-long trips, starting and ending in the Forest. Overnight camping at a dispersed campsite will be an option on some trips. Starting times will vary; some surveys in the height of summer may get an early start to avoid the heat of the day.
On a survey trip, you will be hiking trails, closed roads, or sometimes off-trail, keeping an eye out for signs of wolves and other forest wildlife.
Group survey dates:
TBD
Can't make the survey dates? Take a data sheet and go out on your own schedule and tell us what you found! Contact us for more information.
This summer, we will have 5-7 group tracking surveys designed to search for sign of wolves on the Mt Hood National Forest. As with our winter tracking surveys, groups will be lead by experienced trackers, and provide provide a place where people of all skill levels can come and help. No previous experience necessary! Even if you are new to tracking and the outdoors, your observations are valuable, providing more eyes and brain-power to help find tracks and other sign.
Survey trips are day-long trips, starting and ending in the Forest. Overnight camping at a dispersed campsite will be an option on some trips. Starting times will vary; some surveys in the height of summer may get an early start to avoid the heat of the day.
On a survey trip, you will be hiking trails, closed roads, or sometimes off-trail, keeping an eye out for signs of wolves and other forest wildlife.
Group survey dates:
TBD
Can't make the survey dates? Take a data sheet and go out on your own schedule and tell us what you found! Contact us for more information.
training
An online training is required for all new volunteers. The training covers
If you are not able to attend the training, it will be recorded and you will need to watch the recording prior to helping on a survey.
Online training: Thursday, May 14, 6:30-8:30pm.
- Wolf biology
- What to look for
- How to record data
- Trip logistics
If you are not able to attend the training, it will be recorded and you will need to watch the recording prior to helping on a survey.
Online training: Thursday, May 14, 6:30-8:30pm.
VOLUNTEER QUALIFICATIONS
Everyone is welcome to join the Wolf Surveys. However, you must meet the following qualifications:
*Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a Parent/Guardian.
Driving and carpools
Survey trips officially meet at the survey location on Mt Hood, though we do our best to organize carpools for those interested. If you don't have a vehicle, we still encourage you to join, just be aware that your ability to come on a survey trip will depend on the other volunteers in the group and may not work out every time.
- Transportation to and from trailheads or other meeting spots. This will usually involve driving down dirt roads.
- Comfortable working outdoors in various conditions for up to 4 hours, which can involve: hot sun; standing in one place for long periods of time; some uphill hiking
- Able to hike up to 2 miles
- Able to follow survey protocols thoroughly and accurately
- Able to provide personal hiking and safety gear. See our packing list for recommendations on what personal gear to bring.
- Agree to keep confidential any wolf findings seen during the survey
*Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a Parent/Guardian.
Driving and carpools
Survey trips officially meet at the survey location on Mt Hood, though we do our best to organize carpools for those interested. If you don't have a vehicle, we still encourage you to join, just be aware that your ability to come on a survey trip will depend on the other volunteers in the group and may not work out every time.
survey locationsSurveys will take place on the Mt Hood National Forest. Gray wolves are habitat generalists. They feed primarily on deer and elk, though they can eat a wide variety of other prey as well, and will make their home wherever there is ample food to sustain them.
The White River pack is located in the northeast part of the Mt Hood National Forest. Individual wolves have also been sighted in a number of different locations as well. Any area is a good area to search for wolves! |
ODFW's Area of Known Wolf Activity of the White River wolf pack, 12/31/2024 as reported by ODFW
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if you find sign of wolves
Wolves are very sensitive to human presence. If you find recent sign of wolves - and especially if you see the wolves themselves - note what you see then leave the area immediately so you do not disturb them. This is especially true in the spring and summer, during pup rearing season, when they are especially vulnerable. Remember that you are entering into their home, and be respectful!
goals of the wolf surveyS
The Wolf Surveys complement data from our wildlife cameras, as well as research by other agencies. The data from these surveys will be used by researchers to help determine:
We are also interested in how the presence of wolves is shaping the ecosystem of their new home. By collecting long-term data on many different wildlife species through our cameras, tracking surveys, and wolf surveys, the Wolverine Tracking Project will allow researchers to be able to look for signs of change in the presence or behavior of coyotes, cougars, bears, deer, and elk, all of which are potentially impacted by the return of wolves.
Data about the gray wolf is shared with our partners, including: Mt Hood National Forest Service and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
- 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. By collecting long-term data on many different wildlife species through our cameras, tracking surveys, and wolf surveys, the Wolverine Tracking Project will allow researchers to be able to look for signs of change in the presence or behavior of coyotes, cougars, bears, deer, and elk, all of which are potentially impacted by the return of wolves.
Data about the gray wolf is shared with our partners, including: Mt Hood National Forest Service and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
One of the first photographs of the White River wolf pack breeding pair, Photo by Cascadia Wild's Wolverine Tracking Project, Summer 2018
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Another picture of one of the White River wolves.
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what should i look for when i'm in the forest?
Wolves can leave behind a lot of sign on the landscape. The best thing to look for is tracks and scat on closed dirt roads and trails, where wolves like to travel and mark. When you are near a pup rearing site, old food carcasses and chew toys may also be evident.
Here are some great resources from ODFW:
Here are some great resources from ODFW:
Wolf scat is tubular, has tapered ends and a twisted look, and is generally greater than 1 inch diameter.
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Wolf tracks are huge! Note the 6 inch ruler for scale in the picture.
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