Are There Wolves in Vermont?
No, there are no wild wolves in Vermont. Wolves were extirpated from the Northeast by the early 1800s as European settlement expanded and the region was cleared for agriculture and development. Today the nearest wild wolf populations in North America are in the Northern Rockies (Montana, Wyoming, Idaho) and Canada. Vermont's woodlands are home to black bears, coyotes, bobcats, and other predators, but not wolves. If you're interested in large predators, Vermont's coyote population offers a comparable viewing opportunity, and you may also encounter bobcats in the right habitats.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
- 21
- GBIF records
Wolves aren't established in Vermont, so you might be wondering:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
Only 0 verified observations on iNaturalist of wolf have been logged in Vermont, which fits how rare they are in the state. That low number is itself the most honest answer to whether you are likely to see one here.
No, there are no wild wolves in Vermont. Wolves were extirpated from the Northeast by the early 1800s as European settlement expanded and the region was cleared for agriculture and development. Today the nearest wild wolf populations in North America are in the Northern Rockies (Montana, Wyoming, Idaho) and Canada. Vermont's woodlands are home to black bears, coyotes, bobcats, and other predators, but not wolves. If you're interested in large predators, Vermont's coyote population offers a comparable viewing opportunity, and you may also encounter bobcats in the right habitats.
Why were wolves eliminated from Vermont?
Eastern wolves were hunted to extinction as settlers transformed the landscape into farmland and towns. Wolves were viewed as a threat to livestock, and bounties encouraged their killing. By the 1830s, wolves had vanished from Vermont and the entire Northeast. Unlike the Western US, where wolves have been restored in some areas (Yellowstone), the Northeast has no reintroduction programs and remains wolf-free. The region's current predator guild includes coyotes and bobcats, which fill some of the ecological roles wolves once held.
What large predators actually live in Vermont?
Vermont is home to black bears, coyotes, bobcats, and several smaller predators like raccoons and weasels. Coyotes are the most common large carnivore and are often mistaken for wolves due to their size and behavior, though they are smaller and less powerful. Bobcats are solitary hunters that rarely interact with humans. Black bears are the largest predator and are present throughout Vermont's forested regions, especially in the mountains and rural areas. None of these animals present the same threat as a true wolf pack would.
Are there any wolves in the United States anymore?
Yes, but only in specific regions. Gray wolves currently inhabit parts of the Northern Rockies (Montana, Wyoming, Idaho), the Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico), the Northern Great Lakes (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan), and Alaska. These populations result from reintroduction efforts and natural recovery. The Eastern US, including Vermont, does not have restored wolf populations and is unlikely to in the foreseeable future, primarily because of habitat fragmentation and public opinion.
Could wolves ever return to Vermont naturally?
Extremely unlikely. Wolves would need a vast, continuous wilderness with large prey populations and low human density. Vermont is densely populated and fragmented, with no corridors connecting to the nearest wolf populations. Natural recolonization would require wolves to travel hundreds of miles through settled areas, a journey most would not survive. Any wolf sighting in Vermont today would be an escapee from a captive facility or a misidentified canine, not a wild animal.
What should I do if I see a large canine in Vermont?
If you encounter an unusually large canine in Vermont, it is almost certainly a coyote, a wolf-dog hybrid from a private facility, a stray dog, or a misidentified domestic animal. True wild wolves are not present. Coyotes typically avoid humans, even though they are larger and more robust than most dogs. If you see a predator that seems threatening, maintain distance and report it to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. Do not approach any wild animal, as all predators will defend themselves if cornered or protecting young.
Can I visit wolves in captivity near Vermont?
Some accredited zoos and wildlife sanctuaries in the Northeast house wolves or wolf-dog hybrids for education and conservation research. These facilities offer controlled, safe viewing opportunities. Rather than search for wild wolves in Vermont, which do not exist, consider visiting an accredited zoo with large carnivore exhibits if you wish to observe wolves up close. This is the only reliable way to see wolves in the Northeast.
What wildlife can I actually see in Vermont?
Vermont has rich wildlife despite the absence of wolves. Black bears, coyotes, bobcats, deer, moose (rare), beavers, mink, and numerous bird species thrive throughout the state. Visit our wildlife guide for Vermont to learn about animals you can realistically see and the best seasons and habitats to find them. Many visitors are surprised by the diversity of predators and large mammals Vermont does support.
Conservation status, source NatureServe
Conservation rank for wolf (Gray Wolf, Canis lupus), as assessed by NatureServe Explorer.
| Scope | NatureServe rank | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| In Vermont | SX | Presumed Extirpated |
| Global (rangewide) | G5 | Secure |
NatureServe ranks run from 1 (critically imperiled) to 5 (secure). See our data methodology for how this is sourced.
Plan your wolf sighting in Vermont
21 verified wolf records have been logged in Vermont, most recently in 2022. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Vermont
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Marsh - Billings - Rockefeller National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- North Country National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
Are there wolves in Vermont?+
Eastern wolves were hunted to extinction as settlers transformed the landscape into farmland and towns. Wolves were viewed as a threat to livestock, and bounties encouraged their killing. By the 1830s, wolves had vanished from Vermont and the entire Northeast. Unlike the Western US, where wolves have been restored in some areas (Yellowstone), the Northeast has no reintroduction programs and remains wolf-free. The region's current predator guild includes coyotes and bobcats, which fill some of the ecological roles wolves once held.
Why are there no wolves in Vermont?+
Eastern wolves were hunted to extinction as settlers transformed the landscape into farmland and towns. Wolves were viewed as a threat to livestock, and bounties encouraged their killing. By the 1830s, wolves had vanished from Vermont and the entire Northeast. Unlike the Western US, where wolves have been restored in some areas (Yellowstone), the Northeast has no reintroduction programs and remains wolf-free. The region's current predator guild includes coyotes and bobcats, which fill some of the ecological roles wolves once held.
Where do wolves live instead?+
Eastern wolves were hunted to extinction as settlers transformed the landscape into farmland and towns. Wolves were viewed as a threat to livestock, and bounties encouraged their killing. By the 1830s, wolves had vanished from Vermont and the entire Northeast. Unlike the Western US, where wolves have been restored in some areas (Yellowstone), the Northeast has no reintroduction programs and remains wolf-free. The region's current predator guild includes coyotes and bobcats, which fill some of the ecological roles wolves once held.
Keep exploring
More places to see wolf
More wildlife in Vermont