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HomeEnvironmental ImpactsPopulation boom in California leads to discovery of two new wolf packs

Population boom in California leads to discovery of two new wolf packs

“California’s Gray Wolf Population Surges: A Conservation Success Story”

Wolves are continuing to make a California comeback, with state wildlife officials confirming the presence of two new gray wolf packs in Northern California. The population of these endangered apex predators has increased to at least 70 individuals, up from 44 documented last year.

The newly identified Diamond pack is roaming terrain approximately 50 miles north of Lake Tahoe, while the other new pack, which is yet to be named, is ranging just south of Lassen Volcanic National Park. According to Axel Hunnicutt, the state gray wolf coordinator for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, there are now a total of nine packs in the state, with 30 pups born this year.

The recolonization of gray wolves in California began 13 years ago when a wolf from northeastern Oregon known as OR-7 ventured into the state. Since then, the population has been steadily growing, with an estimated 370 to 500 wolves potentially being able to be supported in the landscape north of Interstate 80.

While the resurgence of gray wolves is being celebrated by conservationists for its potential to help balance the ecosystem, it also brings challenges such as the need to protect livestock. As the wolf population rises, conflicts with livestock are increasing, prompting the state to invest in research to inform management strategies for the expanding species.

The California Wolf Project, a partnership between the state wildlife agency and UC Berkeley, aims to study the ecological and sociological implications of the wolves’ return to the state. This multi-year project will involve field work to gather data on wolf behavior and interactions with the environment, as well as surveys of the public, including livestock owners.

Despite the protections afforded to gray wolves under state and federal law, there are concerns that these safeguards could be under attack. Wolves were federally delisted during the Trump administration, and although protections were restored after a court ruling, there are ongoing appeals that could threaten these protections in the future.

Conservationists like Amaroq Weiss, senior wolf advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity, are gearing up for potential challenges to wolf protections at the federal level. With the wolf population in California poised for continued growth, the need for informed management decisions and public support is more crucial than ever.

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