Gray wolf

Species it is confused with

Check these before deciding what you are looking at. If you are not certain what it is, do not shoot.

• Eastern wolf · Canis lycaon
• Coyote · Canis latrans

Field notes

• Identification Do not identify Gray wolf from colour alone. Compare structure, size, range and the listed similar species before making a field decision.[1]

Conservation and protection

• ENDANGERED — The gray wolf, U.S.A.: All of AL, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IA, IN, IL, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, and WV; and portions of AZ, NM, OR, UT, and WA as follows: (1) Northern AZ (that portion north of the centerline of Interstate Highway 40); (2) Northern NM (that portion north of the centerline of Interstate Highway 40); (3) Western OR (that portion of OR west of the centerline of Highway 395 and Highway 78 north of Burns Junction and that portion of OR west of the centerline of Highway 95 south of Burns Junction); (4) Most of Utah (that portion of UT south and west of the centerline of Highway 84 and that portion of UT south of Highway 80 from Echo to the UT/WY Stateline); and (5) Western WA (that portion of WA west of the centerline of Highway 97 and Highway 17 north of Mesa and that portion of WA west of the centerline of Highway 395 south of Mesa). Mexico.: listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act since 1978-03-09. · ECOS species profile: Gray wolf
• THREATENED — The gray wolf, U.S.A. (MN): listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act since 1978-03-09. · ECOS species profile: Gray wolf
• ENDANGERED — Mexican wolf (Canis lupus baileyi), Wherever found, except where included in an experimental population as set forth in 17.84(k): listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act since 1976-04-28. · ECOS species profile: Mexican wolf

Where legal take is listed

• Alberta — hunting, trapping · 2026 Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations
• British Columbia — hunting, trapping · 2026-2028 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis
• Manitoba — hunting, trapping · Manitoba Hunting Guide 2026
• Newfoundland and Labrador — hunting, trapping · 2026-27 Hunting and Trapping Guide
• Northwest Territories — hunting · NWT Summary of Hunting and Trapping Regulations, July 1 2022 - June 30 2023
• Nunavut — hunting · Summary of the Nunavut Hunting Regulations 2021-2022
• Ontario — hunting, trapping · Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary — Wolf and coyote
• Québec — hunting, trapping · Périodes de chasse au petit gibier 2026-2028
• Saskatchewan — hunting, trapping · Saskatchewan Hunters Guide 2026-27
• Alaska — hunting, trapping · 2026-2027 Alaska Hunting Regulations No. 67 (complete)
• Colorado — other regulated take · 2 CCR 406-10 Chapter W-10 Nongame Wildlife (03/04/2026; eff. 2026-05-01)
• Idaho — hunting, trapping · Idaho Big Game 2026 Seasons & Rules
• Montana — hunting, trapping · 2026 Wolf, Furbearer, Trapping and Hunting Regulations
• Wyoming — hunting, trapping · WGFC Ch. 47 Gray Wolf Hunting Seasons (dated Jul 14 2026)

Being listed is not an open season. Seasons, zones, licences, methods and limits decide whether this animal may be taken on a given day and place — check Hunt or the authority before you go. Listings read 2026-09-30.