MADISON, WI (AP)-- Wisconsin wildlife officials say more than 800 wolves are roaming the state.
The Department of Natural Resources released data from wolf monitoring efforts over the winter on Thursday. According to the data, between 866 and 897 wolves are now in the state. That's a record high population, up 16 percent from last year's count of 746 to 771 animals.
Most of the wolves are grouped in 222 packs concentrated in northern and west-central Wisconsin.
The DNR's current wolf management plan calls for 350 animals.
Wisconsin held three wolf seasons before a federal judge placed Great Lakes Wolves back on the endangered species list in 2014. The agency was considering changing its population goal last year but suspended those efforts after the re-listing.
