SALEM, Ore. (AP) – A record number of wolves are roaming the forests and fields of Oregon, 20 years after the species returned to the state.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said in a report released Monday that the number of known wolves in Oregon at the end of 2018 was 137, a 10 percent increase over the previous year.

There are likely even more wolves because not all individuals or packs are located during the winter count.

Sixteen packs – defined as four or more wolves traveling together in winter – were documented during the count, up from 12 packs in 2017. Wolves were discovered in the central Oregon Cascade Range in late 2018. Several crossed over into California and Idaho.

More about: