Gray wolves are present in California, a natural recolonization that contributes to the ecological balance of the landscapes they inhabit.
The Return of Wolves to California
Gray wolves were absent from California for nearly a century, with the last known wild wolf extirpated around 1924. Their return began with natural dispersal from neighboring states, not a reintroduction program.
In December 2011, OR-7, a male gray wolf from Oregon, became the first confirmed wild wolf in California in over 80 years. His movements were tracked via a GPS collar. While OR-7 eventually returned to Oregon, his presence showed wolves could thrive in California. The first resident wolf pack, the Shasta Pack, was confirmed in Siskiyou County in 2015. Although no longer active, their establishment marked the beginning of a sustained wolf presence.
Where Wolves Roam in California
As of 2024, California’s gray wolf population has grown to at least 70 wolves in the state. This includes ten confirmed packs, a substantial increase from just one pack four years prior. These packs primarily inhabit northeastern California, in habitats like forested mountains and rangelands.
Known packs include:
Ashpan Pack (eastern Shasta County)
Beyem Seyo Pack (Plumas County)
Diamond Pack (Plumas and Lassen counties)
Harvey Pack (Lassen County)
Ice Cave Pack (Shasta, Tehama, Lassen, and Plumas counties)
Ishi Pack (eastern Tehama County)
Lassen Pack (southern Lassen and northern Plumas counties)
Tunnison Pack (central Lassen County)
Whaleback Pack (Siskiyou County)
Yowlumni Pack (southern Sierra Nevada, Tulare County)
Additionally, wolf activity occurs in Modoc and Plumas Counties, along with individual dispersed wolves.
Protecting California’s Wolves
Gray wolves in California are protected under both state and federal law. They are classified as endangered under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) and federally endangered under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species Act (ESA). This status reflects their important role as apex predators in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) manages wolf conservation. Their efforts include monitoring wolf populations, investigating wolf activity, and collaring wolves to track their movements and understand pack dynamics. The CDFW also engages in outreach with livestock producers and the public to reduce human-wildlife conflict, implementing non-lethal deterrents and providing compensation for confirmed wolf depredations.
Coexisting with Wolves
Living alongside wolves requires understanding and responsible practices. Wolves generally avoid human presence, and direct threats to human safety are rare. If an encounter occurs, give the animal space and never approach it.
Distinguishing a wolf from a coyote or large domestic dog can be challenging but is important for accurate reporting. Wolves are significantly larger than coyotes, with broader snouts, larger paws, and rounder ears. Coyotes often have more pointed snouts and ears, and a bushy tail that hangs downward. Vocalizations also differ: coyotes yip, while wolves howl. Report wolf sightings or activity (tracks, scat) to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for monitoring. This can be done via dedicated online forms or direct contact.