CLEVELAND, OH – Wolves once roamed the forests of Ohio, playing a crucial role in the state’s ecosystem.
The species that dominated the region were the gray wolves, known for their adaptability and wide-ranging territories. These apex predators helped control the populations of herbivores, maintaining a balance in the natural environment.
According to the Ohio Division of Wildlife, however, as European settlers expanded into Ohio during the 18th and 19th centuries, wolves faced increasing threats. Habitat loss due to deforestation, along with aggressive hunting and trapping practices, led to a significant decline in the wolf population.
According to the Ohio Division of Wildlife, by the mid-1800s, wolves were considered a nuisance and were systematically eradicated. The last known gray wolf in Ohio was killed in the late 1800s, marking the species’ extinction in the state.
Despite their official extinction, reports of wolf sightings continue to emerge in Ohio. These sightings are often unverified, with many experts suggesting that the animals spotted are likely coyotes or wolf-coyote hybrids.