By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. (April 4, 2025) — SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced enhanced efforts to manage the state’s growing gray wolf population, responding to increasing concerns over public safety and livestock predation.
Since 2011, when the first gray wolves migrated from Oregon, the population has expanded to seven confirmed packs by the end of 2024. Notably, five of these packs met the criteria of a “breeding pair” in 2024, marking a significant milestone in the species’ recovery. This growth has led California to enter “Phase 2” of its wolf management plan, as outlined in the 2016 Conservation Plan for Gray Wolves in California.
However, this resurgence has not come without challenges. Ranchers and local officials have reported increased incidents of livestock predation. In Lassen County, eight calves and yearlings were killed in seven wolf depredations between October and November 2024. Siskiyou County experienced similar issues, with wolves confirmed to have killed multiple cattle between November and December 2024.
These incidents have prompted emergency declarations in affected counties. Sierra County, for instance, declared a local state of emergency due to the threat posed by gray wolves to livestock and public safety. The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the need for a coordinated response, stating, “As the gray wolf population continues to expand, rural communities are facing new challenges that demand a coordinated and lawful response.”
In response to these concerns, the CDFW has intensified monitoring and research efforts. In January 2025, the department captured, collared, and released 12 gray wolves across Siskiyou, Lassen, Plumas, and Sierra counties. This operation aimed to track the expanding wolf population and assess its ecological impact. Biologists collected data to monitor disease prevalence, including sarcoptic mange found in the Yowlumni pack.
The CDFW’s ongoing efforts underscore the complexity of balancing conservation goals with the concerns of local communities. While the return of gray wolves signifies a positive conservation achievement, addressing the challenges they pose to public safety and agriculture remains an ongoing priority.
