After nearly a century of absence, the population of gray wolves—a federally and state-protected endangered species—has started to grow in California. Over 50 wolves have been recorded, marking a significant milestone for this species.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife recently confirmed that five of the seven known packs in the state had litters, signaling a promising resurgence of the species.
This news is welcomed by state officials and wildlife advocates alike, as gray wolves have been on the endangered species list for nearly 100 years. “It’s incredibly uplifting to see gray wolves returning to areas they once roamed freely, and to witness the arrival of these adorable new pups,” said Amaroq Weiss, senior advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity, in an interview with KTLA.
The protection afforded by both federal and state Endangered Species Acts has been key to this recovery.
30 Gray Wolves Pups Born in California
Gray wolves are increasing their presence in California with the birth of 30 new pups, bringing the state’s total population to 65, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The wolf packs are primarily located in the northernmost regions of the state. The report outlined that the Lassen pack welcomed five pups, the Whaleback pack six, the Beyem Seyo pack five, and the Harvey pack, which roams Lassen and Shasta counties, had seven pups.
Additionally, the southernmost pack, the Yowlumni in Tulare County, added seven more pups to the population. KTLA also noted that two other packs did not have pups this spring.
Efforts to Restore the Gray Wolf Population Are Paying Off
The reintroduction of gray wolves in Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho in the mid-1990s, after their near eradication in the early 20th century, has led to a slow but steady recovery of wolf populations throughout the western United States.
However, these efforts have faced criticism, particularly from ranchers and hunters who are concerned about the impact on livestock and game populations. In California, comprehensive laws allow wolves to be killed only if they pose a threat to human life. Ranchers are not permitted to obtain depredation permits to kill wolves, even to protect their livestock.
To address these concerns, California legislators approved $3 million in 2021 to compensate ranchers for livestock losses caused by wolves and to fund non-lethal deterrents such as strobe lights and guard dogs. While these funds were exhausted in March, Governor Gavin Newsom allocated an additional $600,000 in June to continue the program.
