After more than a century of absence, California is seeing the return of an iconic but endangered predator—the gray wolf.
The comeback is both a wildlife success story and a source of ongoing tension in the state.
Wolves on the Rise
Recent reports indicate that at least 44 gray wolves have been spotted across California.
This includes a noteworthy addition of 30 new pups this year, marking the most significant increase in the wolf population in a hundred years.
According to Axel Hunnicutt, who coordinates gray wolf efforts for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, these wolves are now spread across nine of the state’s 58 counties, coming from seven different packs.
Mixed Reactions
While many celebrate the return of these majestic creatures, not everyone is pleased.
Some local farmers are expressing concerns about the threat gray wolves pose to their livestock.
Janna Gliatto, who manages Table Rock Ranch in Montague, voiced her frustrations: “Our hands are tied.
We’ve been invaded.” Gliatto reported that wolves have attacked her livestock, but due to legal restrictions, she feels powerless to address the problem.
Rick Roberti, a cattle rancher in Plumas County, shared similar worries.
He recounted an incident where a wolf killed a calf just a quarter-mile from his home.
“It’s adding a lot of stress,” he said, describing how wolves chase cattle, causing them to panic and run through fences.
Roberti fears that without intervention, the wolf population will continue to grow unchecked, leading to potential crises for ranchers.
Legal and Financial Challenges
California’s Endangered Species Act protects gray wolves, allowing their removal only if they pose a direct threat to humans.
In response to the challenges faced by ranchers, the state provides support for non-lethal protection methods, such as fencing and guard dogs.
In 2021, $3 million was allocated to help cover these costs, but those funds have since been exhausted.
Governor Gavin Newsom has approved an additional $600,000 to extend the program’s budget.
In anticipation of future challenges, Steve Arnold, president of the California Cattlemen’s Association, plans to seek legal changes to the current regulations once the wolf population grows further.
“We’re going to go after this for all we can,” Arnold stated.
Conservationists’ Perspective
On the flip side, conservation groups are thrilled about the resurgence of gray wolves in California.
Amaroq Weiss from the Center for Biological Diversity described the situation as a “redemption story” and a testament to California’s capacity to support wolf populations.
Biologists estimate that nearly 500 wolves could inhabit California north of Interstate 80.
Historical Context
Gray wolves once roamed freely across California and the American West.
However, by the late 1800s and early 1900s, widespread hunting and poisoning led to their near extinction in the region.
The last known gray wolf in California was killed in 1924 by government hunter Frank Koehler near Litchfield.
It would be nearly 90 years before a gray wolf was spotted in California again, with a young male crossing from Oregon in 2011.
By 2019, the state had seven gray wolves.
Broader Implications
Elsewhere in the U.S., wolf hunting laws are more permissive.
Wyoming allows wolves to be shot on sight, Idaho sees hundreds of wolves hunted annually, and in Oregon and Washington, wolves can be shot if they attack livestock.
Hunnicutt expressed a mixed outlook on the growing wolf population, acknowledging the significant challenges it presents to both people and agriculture.
As California navigates this complex issue, the evolving dynamics between wildlife conservation and agricultural interests will continue to shape the conversation.
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