A Series of Wolf Euthanizations in Northern Wisconsin Raises Questions
In northern Wisconsin, a significant move by federal officials led to the euthanization of nine wolves between late August and early September. This action was taken in response to “a series of verified threats to human health and safety,” as outlined by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
According to the Wisconsin DNR, these threats were reported in rural Price County, spanning from July 2025 through August 2026. Before resorting to euthanasia, the DNR explored various non-lethal options, such as removing potential attractants, employing auditory harassment, enhancing lighting, and increasing human activity. The spokesperson commented, “Unfortunately, these did not resolve the issue,” noting the wolves’ increased acclimation to human presence.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services division, within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, trapped and humanely euthanized the wolves. The USDA emphasized that while they investigate threats, the decision-making authority rests with the Wisconsin DNR. “The Wisconsin DNR has the authority to determine, based on the severity of the threat, the next steps,” a USDA spokesperson explained.
In coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the DNR executed these actions under the Endangered Species Act. “The DNR acknowledges the sensitivity of these actions,” a spokesperson stated, emphasizing the gravity of such decisions.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel initially reported the incident, noting that the wolves belonged to the same pack. Although wolf attacks on humans are infrequent, with only two fatal attacks in North America over the past 20 years, the potential threat warranted action.
This incident marks the first wolf euthanizations in Wisconsin since a 2022 federal court decision reinstated endangered species protections for gray wolves in the lower 48 states. The DNR, which has monitored the state’s wolf population since the 1970s, reported a slight decline in numbers this year. Current estimates place the population at 1,162 wolves in about 321 packs, down from previous years.
The DNR assures that the removal of these wolves will not have a lasting negative impact on the local wolf population. In a gesture acknowledging the cultural significance to the Ojibwe and other tribes, the state is collaborating with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to transfer the remains to the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission.
