Karmactive Staff
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s latest report reveals that the state’s wolf population remains stable at around 50 known wolves, despite the birth of 30 pups in spring 2024. The agency’s quarterly update, covering October through December 2024, confirms seven wolf families across Northern California with changing pack dynamics and several new areas of wolf activity.
“I’m a little concerned by what seems like slower population growth, but the evolving dynamics of California’s returning wolves are thrilling as we see wolves meet up with each other to establish or merge packs,” said Amaroq Weiss, a senior wolf advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity. “I’m encouraged by how dynamic these animals are, and it’s important to remember that California’s wolf recovery is still in its early days.”
Pack Changes and New Activity
The report indicates significant changes in wolf pack structures. The number of packs has decreased from nine at the end of September 2024 to the current seven. This reduction occurred because the Beckwourth pack no longer exists, and the Antelope pack merged with the Beyem Seyo pack, with the merged group continuing under the Beyem Seyo name.
The agency also documented new wolf activity in five locations across Northern California, consisting of small groups of two to three wolves each in Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, and Tehama counties. These seven packs currently span territories across Siskiyou, Lassen, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Tehama, and Tulare counties.
Newer Pack Numbers
The report provides some specific numbers for California’s newest wolf families. The Diamond pack currently has a minimum of two wolves, while the Ice Cave pack had two adults and two pups as of August 2024. The current numbers for the state’s other five wolf families—the Lassen, Whaleback, Beyem Seyo, Harvey, and Yowlumni packs—were not included in this quarterly update. However, the department plans to begin issuing annual wolf reports with minimum wolf counts later this spring.
Axel Hunnicutt, the state wolf coordinator for the department, confirmed at a February rangeland symposium at UC Davis that California’s total confirmed wolf count stands at approximately 50. The state will likely see new pups in spring 2025.
Monitoring Efforts
The CDFW has been using satellite collars to track wolf movements, which provides crucial data on their behavior, territory size, and interactions with other wildlife. This monitoring helps scientists understand wolf ecology and aids in mitigating potential conflicts with livestock.
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Historical Context
California’s wolf reintroduction story began with OR-7, a radio-collared wolf from Oregon that entered California in late 2011. OR-7 was the first wolf to make California part of his range in nearly a century, traveling across seven northeastern counties before returning to southwestern Oregon, where he formed the Rogue pack.
Several of OR-7’s offspring have since migrated to California and established packs, including the original breeding male of the Lassen pack and the breeding female of the Yowlumni pack in Tulare County. The state’s first confirmed wolf pack in nearly 100 years, the Shasta pack, was discovered in 2015 but disappeared a few months later.
Legal Protections
Gray wolves are protected under both California’s endangered species act and the federal Endangered Species Act, making it illegal to intentionally kill any wolves in the state. These legal protections have been crucial for wolf conservation efforts.
“Strong legal protections for California’s wolves ensure that state wolf management doesn’t devolve into disturbing and unscientific wolf-killing sprees like we see in the Northern Rockies,” said Weiss. “I’m proud of California for protecting these remarkable animals, who are essential to healthy, wild nature and a welcome part of our state’s natural heritage.”
While the wolves face challenges including disease threats like sarcoptic mange, which has affected some packs, conservation efforts continue through research programs like the California Wolf Project. This initiative gathers data on wolf spatial ecology, diet, and predator-prey dynamics.
FAQ
What is the current wolf population in California?
California currently has approximately 50 known wolves, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. This number has remained relatively stable, showing only a modest increase from around 49 wolves at the end of 2023, despite the birth of 30 pups in spring 2024.
How many wolf packs are there in California?
According to the latest report, California has seven known wolf families or packs. This number has decreased from nine packs reported at the end of September 2024. The reduction occurred because the Beckwourth pack no longer exists, and the Antelope pack merged with the Beyem Seyo pack.
Where do wolves live in California?
California’s seven wolf packs span territories across Siskiyou, Lassen, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Tehama, and Tulare counties. Additionally, new wolf activity has been documented in Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, and Tehama counties, consisting of small groups of two to three wolves each.
When did wolves return to California?
Wolves returned to California in late 2011 when OR-7, a radio-collared wolf from Oregon, became the first wolf in nearly a century to enter the state. The Shasta pack, discovered in 2015, was California’s first confirmed wolf pack in almost 100 years, though it disappeared a few months later.
Are wolves protected in California?
Yes, gray wolves are protected under both California’s endangered species act and the federal Endangered Species Act. This dual protection makes it illegal to intentionally kill any wolves in the state, providing crucial support for wolf conservation efforts.
What challenges do wolves face in California?
California wolves face several challenges, including slower-than-expected population growth and diseases like sarcoptic mange, which has affected some packs. Additionally, as with wolves in other regions, they may face challenges related to habitat availability, prey abundance, and potential conflicts with human activities and livestock.
