California is witnessing the remarkable comeback of gray wolves, a species that had vanished from the state for nearly a century. The last known gray wolf in California was killed in 1924, marking the end of their presence in the region. However, recent developments indicate that their population is once again on the rise.

Population boom

According to state gray wolf officials, at least 30 new wolf pups were born across California’s wolf packs this spring, marking the largest increase in numbers in a century. Axel Hunnicutt, the state gray wolf coordinator for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, described this resurgence as a significant milestone. “This was the biggest jump recorded in the number of California wolves in a century,” Hunnicutt said.

Controversial comeback

The return of the gray wolf has been a topic of debate in California. Hunnicutt revealed to SF Gate that 70 pups were born in the last seven years alone. The wolves made their initial return to California when wolf OR-7 migrated from Oregon to Siskiyou County in 2011. Just four years later, the state saw the formation of its first modern-day wolf pack.

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The wolves are now making their presence known, with their howling echoing through the state. The gray wolf population more than doubled between 2022 and 2023, increasing from just 18 wolves to over 40. The number of packs has also risen from three to seven, according to Hunnicutt. Some wolves have even moved from the northeast to the far south, including the southern Sierra Nevada.

Federal protection and its impact

Experts attribute this resurgence largely to the federal protection provided under the California Endangered Species Act, which makes it illegal to hunt wolves unless they pose an imminent threat to humans. “Having [the gray wolf] come back is amazing,” said Amaroq Weiss, a wolf advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity, to SF Gate.

Challenges and concerns

However, the return of the gray wolves has not been without its challenges. The wolves have been responsible for killing several calves, leading to concerns from local ranchers. Janna Gliatto, a manager at Table Rock Ranch, expressed her frustration to the publication, stating, “Our hands are tied. We’ve been invaded.”

As California navigates the complexities of this wildlife revival, the return of the gray wolf remains a significant ecological event. While it brings hope for biodiversity and environmental balance, it also poses challenges that require careful management and consideration. The state continues to monitor and adapt to this evolving situation, balancing the needs of wildlife conservation with those of local communities.