NINE WOLVES KILLED IN WISCONSIN

Nine federally protected gray wolves, believed to be members of the same pack, were trapped and killed by USDA Wildlife Services personnel in Price County, Wisconsin, in late August and early September 2026.

Wisconsin DNR stated that the wolves had become increasingly habituated to humans and presented verified safety concerns. Officials reported recommending nonlethal measures, including attractant removal, auditory deterrents, increased lighting, and greater human activity, before lethal removal was authorized and carried out by USDA Wildlife Services.

The deaths of nine wolves raise serious questions about the circumstances of the incidents, the effectiveness of the interventions attempted, how the decision to remove the wolves was made, and what can be done to prevent similar outcomes in the future.

The public deserves clear answers about what happened, why nine wolves were killed, and how wildlife agencies will strengthen nonlethal coexistence efforts moving forward.

🐺 We are asking Wisconsin DNR and USDA Wildlife Services to provide:

• The documented incidents and evidence that led to the human-safety determination.

• A clear timeline of the nonlethal deterrents that were recommended and implemented, including how long they were used and what results were observed.

• An explanation of why lethal removal of all nine wolves was determined to be necessary.

• Clarification of the roles Wisconsin DNR, USDA Wildlife Services, and any other agencies played in the decision-making and removal process.

• Information about whether additional nonlethal options were considered before lethal action was taken.

• Details about any review of this incident and what steps will be taken to prevent similar situations in the future.

• Stronger investment in prevention, public education, attractant management, and nonlethal coexistence strategies for wolves and communities.

Wolves deserve management decisions rooted in transparency, accountability, science, and coexistence.

Please join Women for Wolves in calling on Wisconsin DNR and USDA Wildlife Services to provide answers and work toward stronger protections and more effective nonlethal solutions for Wisconsin’s wolves. 🐺💜