Gray wolves are making a remarkable return to California, with 30 wolf pups born this spring, marking the largest population growth in over a century. Their numbers have more than doubled since 2022, thanks to federal and state protection.
While conservationists celebrate this resurgence, local ranchers are concerned about livestock losses, sparking debate over how to balance wildlife conservation and human interests.
Gray Wolves Make a Comeback in California After 100 Years of Extinction
After nearly a century of absence, gray wolves, a federally and state-protected endangered species, are making a significant comeback in California. The population now exceeds 50 wolves, a major milestone for the species.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife recently confirmed that five of the seven known wolf packs in the state had litters this spring, indicating a promising resurgence.
This development has been celebrated by state officials and wildlife advocates, as gray wolves have been listed as an endangered species 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. Federal and state Endangered Species Acts have played a crucial role in their recovery.
30 Gray Wolf Pups Born in California
The gray wolf population in California is growing, with 30 new pups born this spring, 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 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 reported 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 to Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho in the mid-1990s, after their near extinction in the early 20th century, has led to a slow but steady recovery of wolf populations across the western United States.
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However, this resurgence has faced criticism, particularly from ranchers and hunters concerned about the impact on livestock and game populations.
In California, strict laws only permit wolves to be killed if they pose a direct threat to human life, and ranchers are not allowed to obtain depredation permits to kill wolves, even to protect their livestock.
To mitigate 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 the funds were exhausted in March, Governor Gavin Newsom allocated an additional $600,000 in June to continue the program.
The resurgence of gray wolves in California after nearly a century of absence is a testament to successful conservation efforts. While the growing population of wolves is a cause for celebration among conservationists, it has sparked concerns among ranchers about the impact on livestock.
As the state continues to navigate these challenges, balancing the interests of wildlife conservation and human livelihoods remains a critical task.
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