The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) reported the state currently has seven known wolf packs amid shifting dynamics and new areas of wolf activity. The latest quarterly update, covering October through December, highlights wolf movements, pack consolidations and increasing livestock depredations across multiple regions.
Wolf activity in the Sierra County region significantly changed as the Beyem Seyo Pack’s collared female (LAS23F) moved south into the county, overlapping the former range of the Antelope Pack. The movement raised questions about the Antelope Pack’s status. Helicopter surveys conducted earlier this year confirmed that WHA08M, a former Antelope Pack member, is now traveling with LAS23F and younger Beyem Seyo Pack wolves. This suggests the two packs have merged. The Beyem Seyo wolves were linked to two confirmed livestock depredations during the quarter.
Meanwhile, the Whaleback Pack in eastern Siskiyou County remained active, with six confirmed livestock attacks, the highest number among California’s wolf packs. The Yowlumni Pack in Tulare County also saw increased conflicts, with two confirmed and one probable depredation.
The Harvey Pack, located in Lassen and Shasta counties, was responsible for one confirmed attack, while the Diamond, Ice Cave and Lassen packs were not linked to any depredation investigations.
Another notable development occurred in central Lassen County, where two wolves, LAS32F and DIS04M, were detected. These wolves, including a male from Oregon, were responsible for six confirmed depredations. In southern Modoc County, three wolves from the Whaleback Pack were identified through genetic analysis at a livestock attack site, though their long-term presence in the area remains uncertain.
The Diamond Pack, which occupies portions of eastern Plumas and southern Lassen counties, continues to be monitored. Biologists have confirmed at least two wolves are in the group.
CDFW reported 18 confirmed wolf depredations for the quarter and one probable attack recorded in the last quarter. CDFW said the state remains engaged in discussions with ranchers, county officials, and conservation groups to manage conflicts and monitor the expanding wolf presence.
Axel Hunnicutt, CDFW state wolf coordinator, said during a rangeland symposium held mid-February at University of California, Davis that the state’s confirmed wolf population currently stands at about 50 wolves, the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) reported. This marks a slight increase from the estimated 49 wolves at the end of 2023, despite the known birth of 30 pups in the spring of 2024.
“I’m a little concerned by what seems like slower population growth, but the evolving dynamics of California’s returning wolves are thrilling as we see wolves meet up with each other to establish or merge packs,” said Amaroq Weiss, a senior wolf advocate at CBD. “I’m encouraged by how dynamic these animals are, and it’s important to remember that California’s wolf recovery is still in its early days.”
CDFW plans to release its first annual report on the status of gray wolves in California in April. — Charles Wallace, WLJ contributing editor
