Wolf Sightings Reported in West Virginia Despite Said Extinction

Photo byRobert LarssononUnsplash

MARTINSBURG, WV - Wolves once roamed the rugged landscapes of West Virginia, playing a crucial role in the state's ecosystem.

According to the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, primarily, the gray wolf (Canis lupus) and the red wolf (Canis rufus) were native to the region, thriving in the dense forests and mountainous terrain.

These apex predators were vital in maintaining the balance of nature by controlling the populations of deer and other prey species.

According to the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, however, as European settlers expanded into West Virginia in the 18th and 19th centuries, the presence of wolves began to decline sharply. Habitat loss, hunting, and trapping, driven by fears of livestock predation, led to the eventual extirpation of wolves from the state.

By the early 20th century, wolves had disappeared from West Virginia, a fate shared by many large predators across the country.

Despite their extinction in the state, stories of wolves continue to linger in local folklore, and occasional unconfirmed sightings are still reported.

These sightings, often attributed to misidentified coyotes or domestic dogs, serve as a reminder of the wilderness that once characterized West Virginia, according to the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources.

While wolves are no longer part of the state’s wildlife, their legacy endures in the memories and stories passed down through generations.