The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) recently captured, collared and released 12 gray wolves in Northern California.
From Jan. 14 to the end of the month, wolves from the Whaleback, Harvey and Beyem Seyo packs were captured across Siskiyou, Lassen, Plumas and Sierra counties. Biologists fitted each wolf with a satellite collar and collected biological samples, including DNA and blood, to track diseases and genetic relationships. The 12 collared wolves included five from the Beyem Seyo Pack, five from the Harvey Pack and two from the Whaleback Pack.
These satellite collars, which transmit location data to CDFW, help researchers monitor wolf movements and reduce conflicts with livestock. The collars last two to three years before automatically detaching.
