Montana FWP: State has overestimated wolf population by hundreds

By: Micah Drew

Outlets: Daily Montanan

Published: July 24, 2026

Words: 1,771

Last Updated: 1 week, 2 days ago

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There are several hundred fewer wolves in Montana than previously estimated by Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks.

That’s according to the department’s latest report showing the wolf population in Montana has likely been overestimated for years, leading to a recommendation that the upcoming hunting and trapping quota be cut in half.

Wildlife managers in Montana estimate the number of wolves in the state using a formula called the integrated Patch Occupancy Model, or …

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