WOLVERINE TRACKING PROJECT:
​wolf survey

wolves in Oregon

​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

get involved

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. 

Group Survey Trips
Cascadia Wild is organizing 5 survey trips this summer to search for sign of wolves in the 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 explore the forest for wolves and other wildlife. 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 whole day trips, starting and ending in the Forest. Overnight camping at a dispersed campsite will be an option on some trips, for those interested. 
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Group survey dates:
June 21-22 (optional campout)
June 28
July 18-20 (optional campout, but to avoid the heat of the day, the survey will head out very early morning and again in the evening)
August 9
August 23
September 13-14 (optional campout)
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Can't make the survey dates? Grab a data sheet and go out on your own schedule and tell us what you found! Contact us for more information.

training

Before attending a survey, volunteers need to attend the online training. This training covers wolf biology, what to look for, and how to record any data that you find. 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 29, 7:00-8:00pm.
Note: This date has been changed since this page was created in March!

VOLUNTEER QUALIFICATIONS

Everyone is welcome to join the Wolf Surveys. However, you must meet the following qualifications:
  • Transportation to and from trailheads or other meeting spots. This will usually involve driving down dirt roads.
  • Able to hike on trails in varying conditions for up to 2 miles
  • Able to follow survey instructions and protocols
  • Able to provide personal safety gear and other personal gear - see our packing list for recommendations
  • Agree to keep confidential any wolf findings seen during the survey
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*Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a Parent/Guardian.

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:
  • 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. 

survey locations

Surveys 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

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!
One of the first photographs of the White River wolf pack breeding pair, Photo by Cascadia Wild's Wolverine Tracking Project, Summer 2018
Another picture of one of the White River wolves. 

ready to join the WOLF SURVEYS?

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:
Wolf scat is tubular, has tapered ends and a twisted look, and is generally greater than 1 inch diameter.
Wolf tracks are huge! Note the 6 inch ruler for scale in the picture.

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.  
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: 
  • Take a GPS waypoint or mark the location on a map.
  • Document it by taking a photo. Be sure to include something in the photo for scale (a ruler is best but a hand, pen, or other measurable/scalable object will work as well).
  • If you see scat: Collect scat samples in a paper bag (plastic degrades genetic information) and wear plastic gloves!
    Scat must be larger than coyote scat to be usable, our cutoff is greater than 1.25 inch diameter.
  • Contact us to let us know what you've found, to pass along any GPS info and photos, or any other details.