Gray Wolves Make a Remarkable Comeback in California

After nearly a century of absence, gray wolves have made a stunning return to California. The last known wolf in the state was killed in 1924, and the species was gone for 87 years. Now, seven wolf packs roam the state, marking a historic resurgence. This year alone, 30 wolf pups were born, the largest increase in a century, according to Axel Hunnicutt, the state’s gray wolf coordinator.

Since the return of wolves began with the lone wolf OR-7 in 2011, more than 70 pups have been born across California, not counting this year’s record numbers. The population has more than doubled in just two years, expanding from 18 wolves to over 40 in 2023. The packs, mostly found in the northeastern part of the state, have even started migrating as far as the southern Sierra Nevada.

This revival has been fueled by federal protection under the California Endangered Species Act, preventing harm to these animals unless they pose a threat to humans. While conservationists like Amaroq Weiss of the Center for Biological Diversity celebrate the wolves’ return as a natural triumph, not everyone is as thrilled. Ranchers, such as Janna Gliatto, have expressed concerns about wolves attacking livestock, highlighting the ongoing conflict between wildlife preservation and human activity.

As gray wolves continue to grow in number, California faces the challenge of balancing their comeback with the state’s agricultural landscape.

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