There’s some exciting news for wildlife advocates as California is now home to three newly confirmed wolf packs. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced that the Ishi pack in eastern Tehama County, the Tunnison pack in central Lassen County, and the Ashpan pack in eastern Shasta County are now officially recognized. This brings the total number of known wolf packs in the state to ten.
This continued expansion marks a promising step forward in the recovery of wolves across the West Coast. Since their return to California in 2015, wolves have been gradually reclaiming their place in the wild. The first packs were confirmed in Washington and Oregon in 2008, and by the end of 2024, there were at least 75 wolf pack territories across those three states. With the addition of the new California packs, that number now stands at 78.
Before they were wiped out in the 1920s, wolves once roamed California’s wild landscapes. After nearly a century of absence, they have made a natural return, crossing state lines from Oregon and gradually reestablishing themselves in their historic range. Their comeback is a powerful testament to nature’s resilience when given a chance.
“California’s wolves continue to show us that with state and federal protections, and proactive coexistence measures, healthy population growth is possible. Cheers to the many wolf families who continue to remind us that the Golden State truly has limitless possibilities for all,” Regan Downey, director of education at the Wolf Conservation Center, told WAN.
“The presence of three new wolf packs in California is a powerful testament to nature’s resilience,” said Leslie Williams and Samantha Attwood, founding members of Team Wolf. “Even as we celebrate this remarkable progress, wolves continue to be misrepresented in fear-driven narratives that disregard decades of scientific research and conservation efforts. Their path to recovery remains fragile. We must resist the temptation to fall victim to these insidious false narratives and remain steadfast in protecting this iconic American species which is a vital part of our country’s natural heritage.”
The most recent CDFW quarterly report, covering January through March 2025, included the sighting of a dispersing wolf captured by a camera in central Kern County. Unfortunately, the report also revealed the deaths of two members of the Yowlumni pack in Tulare County. Investigations into their cause of death are still ongoing.
As public interest in wolves grows, so too has misinformation. It’s essential to set the record straight.
Despite fear-driven headlines, wolves are not a major threat to livestock or people. In fact, they account for less than 1% of annual livestock deaths. The vast majority of losses are due to weather, disease, or birthing complications, not predators. In addition, studies have shown that nonlethal strategies, such as using guard animals or deterrents, can reduce wolf-livestock conflicts by over 90%. These methods are not only humane but also highly effective.
Wolves are more than just a charismatic species. They are essential to healthy ecosystems. By helping manage deer and elk populations, wolves support the overall balance of nature. Their presence strengthens biodiversity, benefiting countless plants and animals. Contrary to common myths, wolves do not decimate prey populations. Instead, they help maintain natural population levels, which allows prey species to thrive in a sustainable way.
With their continued return, California is witnessing the re-emergence of a more balanced and complete ecosystem. The presence of wolves is good news, not just for wildlife, but for the future of rewilding California.
Just this week, WAN shared a disturbing video showing a trophy hunter proudly posing with the lifeless body of a wolf. The footage, which has already accumulated over 1 million views, has sparked widespread outrage, reaching far beyond the animal welfare community. Sadly, videos like this are not uncommon. They’re a stark reminder that the war on wolves is still ongoing.
As more state and federal lawmakers push to strip protections from wolves, the fight to save them grows stronger. We must raise our voices louder than ever.
