SPOKANE (AP) — The number of wolves in Washington state is likely much higher than previously thought, according to a University of Washington researcher who spent two years studying the animals using scat-sniffing dogs.

Samuel Wasser said his dogs detected 95 wolves in one area of Stevens and Pend Oreille counties, and that was two years ago. That approached the total number of wolves wildlife officials estimated for the entire state.

State Fish and Wildlife a year ago estimated Washington had a minimum of 122 wolves, grouped in at least 22 packs.

Wasser told a state Senate committee last week that it’s possible the population of wolves is closer to 200 animals.

State wolf managers also addressed the panel, saying Washington’s wolf population has grown on average 30 percent per year.

The question of how many wolves roam the state is important because it determines whether wolves are considered a protected species under state and federal law.