WENATCHEE – Washington’s gray wolf population increased for the ninth consecutive year, according to an annual statewide survey, but the increases continue to be primarily in the wolf-rich northeastern quarter of the state.

At the end of 2017, the state held at least 122 wolves, 22 packs and 14 successful breeding pairs, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said in a report released Friday. That compares with a minimum of 115 wolves, 20 packs and 10 breeding pairs reported at the end of 2016.

The state documented 14 wolves killed in 2017 by official actions, poaching, vehicle collisions or other causes, officials…