The Loup Loup Pack were discovered in the Okanogan County’s Loup Loup area in 2015 — between Okanogan to the east and Twisp to the west in the Northern Cascades, Washington.
In 2016, state wolf biologists collared three wolves of the pack: a yearling female (59f), an adult male (61m), and the breeding female (60f).
A federal salmon researcher had an encounter with the pack in July 2018. As she approached their den or rendezvous site, she may have misinterpreted the adults’ warning yips and barks as immediate threats. She climbed a tree and was flown from the area by helicopter with no further ado. Rendezvous sites are areas where young pups play under adult supervision until they are old enough to range with the pack. Wolves are naturally quite defensive of these sites, but are typically not aggressive as long as humans and other animals respect their warnings and leave the area.
The pack had at least 5 members as of late 2018 and was confirmed with breeding pair status.
A male wolf (WA88M) was collared in March 2019. He dispersed west into Skagit County but later looped back and was traveling in the Pasayten Wilderness.
Another wolf was collared during the state wildlife agency’s winter survey, in January 2020. The survey confirmed three pack members for 2019, but was not able to confirm whether pups were born.
The following annual survey counted a minimum of six wolves and confirmed a successful breeding pair in the winter of 2020-2021.
Current numbers: 6
Pack status: Designated in 2015.
Photos
Useful Links
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife – Loup Loup Pack
