RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN FEDERAL WOLF POLICY
Mexican Wolves Threatened with Delisting
The theatrically named Enhancing Safety for Animals Act of 2025 (H.R. 4255) has been introduced in Congress and would delist one of the most endangered subspecies in the United States—the Mexican wolf. With fewer than 300 remaining in the wild across Arizona and New Mexico, delisting ignores the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s recovery plan and undermines one of the most successful captive-breeding and reintroduction programs in the country. Such a move could severely harm the population’s genetic diversity and long-term survival. Watch this video to learn how cross-fostering Mexican wolf pups is saving this critically endangered subspecies. TAKE ACTION! Urge your House Representative to vote NO on HR 4255.
Gutting the Endangered Species Act
The ESA Amendments Act of 2025 (H.R. 1897) weakens the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by requiring economic analyses for species listing decisions, prioritizing commercial interests over science and species protection. It shifts responsibilities from the federal government to states that often lack the legal authority, resources, or willingness to conserve imperiled wildlife. The ESA has a 99 percent success rate—let’s keep it that way! Tell your House Representative to vote NO on HR 1897.
You Howled and They Listened!
Thanks to your advocacy, H.R. 4754, which included a rider to strip ESA protections from gray wolves nationwide, is officially dead. Congress instead passed H.R. 6938 to fund the Department of the Interior without these poison pill riders.
Colorado’s Wolf Reintroduction Paused
Despite voters approving wolf reintroduction in 2020, new federal pressure threatens the program. Colorado cannot source wolves, putting reintroduction at risk. Read more here.
The Yellowstone Wolf Project continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in wildlife research. Building on decades of intensive fieldwork, researchers are now pairing traditional tracking and observation with cutting-edge bioacoustic monitoring to better understand how wolves communicate, interact, and navigate their social world.
By listening to wolves across Yellowstone’s vast landscape, scientists are gaining new, non-invasive insights into pack dynamics, dispersal, and behavior that visual observation alone cannot capture. This innovative approach is opening an entirely new window into wolf lives and helping shape the future of ethical, technology-driven conservation science.
Living with Wolves is proud to support this groundbreaking research. We are honored to be hosting Yellowstone wolf researcher Jeff Reed, who will share insights from this landmark study and reflect on what decades of research continue to teach us about wolves, ecosystems, and coexistence.
“Have you ever wondered what wolves are actually saying to each other?”
We are thrilled to host Dr. Jeff Reed, whose Cry Wolf Project has built the world’s largest database of wolf vocalizations and is redefining what we know about wildlife communication. During this special evening, Dr. Reed will share how this groundbreaking research is transforming wolf conservation—and just how close we may be to decoding the language of wolves.
The event is now completely SOLD OUT, but we are offering a FREE live stream, making it possible for everyone to join from home. This event will not be recorded for later viewing. To catch it, you must join the live stream at event time. Registration is not required—simply click the link below when the event begins!
Living with Wolves is proud to support this groundbreaking research.
The Living with Wolves 2025 Annual Report is now available!
Inside, you will find highlights from a year of research, education, coexistence, storytelling, and advocacy—from groundbreaking wolf behavior studies and national policy developments to museum growth, award-winning communications, and the collective impact your support made possible. We invite you to read and reflect on what we accomplished together.
From the Dutcher Archives
Celebrating the Legacy of the Sawtooth Pack
How Our Project Began
Set deep within Idaho’s remote Sawtooth Mountains, an unprecedented research and filmmaking project begins to unfold. Through the careful formation of a captive wolf pack, the Dutchers reveal how close observation can illuminate the complex social bonds, communication, and family dynamics that define wolf life. By looking beyond fear and folklore, we are invited to better understand the deep relationships that shape one of the most misunderstood animals on Earth.
Our Mission: Living with Wolves is a non-profit organization dedicated to engaging the public worldwide in education, outreach and research to promote truth and understanding about wolves, while encouraging coexistence and inspiring people to take action to protect them.
