About WERC

The Wolf Education & Research Center

The Wolf Education & Research Center (WERC) is rich in history and played a vital role in the reintroduction of wolves to the Western landscape. Rooted in the Sawtooth Pack: Wolves of the Nez Perce and later in the rescue of the Owyhee Pack, our history and future central to the survival of wolves and other essential carnivores.

Our History

The stream of history of wolves in the West is full of important stories, few more dramatic and impactful as that of the Sawtooth Pack: Wolves of the Northwest. From the films that required their permanent home to the introductions to thousands of people over two decades of their lives, the Sawtooth Pack were the poster pack for wolf reintroduction. In later years, the rescue of the Owyhee Pack would keep visitors enthralled until February of 2020 when the last wolf died of old age. The story of their lives will captivate and nourish something deep within you to care more deeply about all wildlife. Their story is that of the Wolf Education & Research Center.

Our Future

Central to the Wolf Education and Research Center’s history and future is education about wolves and other carnivores. In 2015, WERC began making concerted efforts to take our education online and in classrooms around the world. Through film, educational initiatives, internships, and more, the 2020 distance learning reality was old school for WERC as they cultivated online audiences. WERC’s future is rooted in building inroads to communities of learning who will form wildlife policy in the future. Through films, publications, and the exciting Passport to Wildlife: Biology Immersion Outreach (P2W:BIO), WERC will continue to greet the future dynamically and work to inspire the next generation of wildlife enthusiasts and professionals.