An endangered species is making a big comeback in California, according to new state wildlife data.
California’s gray wolf population doubled this spring, with 30 wolf pups born across five of the seven packs. This brings the total number of wolves to more than 60, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
This is the largest increase in the state’s gray wolf population in a century. The last wolf was shot in 1924, as reported by SFGATE.
Conservation groups are celebrating this growth. The Center for Biological Diversity called it “inspiring” because the wolves returned and formed packs on their own without any help from wildlife agencies.
The wolves began returning in 2011 when a wolf from northeast Oregon, known as OR-7, crossed into California. OR-7’s daughter later became part of the Yowlumni pack, the southernmost pack in Tulare County. This pack produced seven of the 30 new pups this year.
“Seeing wolves return and form families is incredibly inspiring,” said Amaroq Weiss, a senior wolf advocate. “At least five packs in California now have pups, which shows how important the federal and state endangered species acts are.”
Each of the five packs consists of two breeding adults, last year’s yearlings, and now, this year’s new pups. Lone wolves have also been spotted in Tehama, Plumas, and Modoc counties.
However, the wolf comeback has caused some controversy. The Fish and Wildlife report revealed that several packs preyed on livestock between April and June. Ranchers have expressed frustration, saying they feel helpless because wolves are protected by state and federal laws.
Despite this, wildlife advocates are hopeful. “I’m thrilled that California now has around 65 wolves,” said Weiss. “It’s a great start, but we need to keep protecting them so they can fully recover.”