Wolves once roamed West Virginia’s forests

WEST VIRGINIA (LOOTPRESS) – West Virginia was once home to wolves that roamed the state’s forests and mountains.

Two types of wolves were known to inhabit the region: the eastern wolf (Canis lupus lycaon) and the gray wolf (Canis lupus).

These apex predators played a major role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem by keeping populations of deer and other prey animals in check.

The eastern wolf, closely related to the red wolf, was more common in the eastern United States, including West Virginia. It was a smaller, more agile predator, adapted to the dense forests of the region.

The gray wolf, a larger and more widespread species, also made its home in the state. Known for its strength and pack behavior, the gray wolf was a formidable predator.

By the late 1800s, both species were driven to local extinction in West Virginia.

Habitat loss, hunting, and human persecution led to their decline. Farmers, in particular, saw wolves as a threat to livestock, leading to widespread efforts to eradicate them.

As a result, by the turn of the 20th century, wolves had disappeared from the state.

Today, efforts to reintroduce wolves to some parts of the United States have been met with both support and opposition.