Gray Wolf Updates

CDFW has posted depredation investigation reports from July 13 and July 15, 2019 to the CDFW Gray Wolf web page. These reports confirm two deaths by wolves of yearling calves in Lassen County and also include information about injuries to three additional animals. This represents the largest depredation event by wolves thus far since the return of wolves to the state. CDFW appreciates the enormous challenges associated with living with such an iconic species of predator and the impacts that are suffered by the owner of the calves. CDFW is aware of the damage that wolves can cause to cattle producers, not only in the deceased animals, but in resources spent on exclusion and additional stress to the herd. After the depredations, the producer moved the herd quickly preventing further attacks.

CDFW will continue to bring the best available management practices to work with the agricultural communities and local leaders throughout current wolf range to deter conflict to the extent possible. At this time, we are planning upcoming local stakeholder outreach to discuss depredation events and next steps for living with wolves in the state. Please stay tuned for additional information.

CDFW has posted its Quarterly Wolf News Update and Wolf Activity Map on the CDFW Gray Wolf webpage.

CDFW has posted a depredation investigation report from April 2, 2019 to the CDFW Gray Wolf web page.

CDFW has posted a depredation investigation report from March 23, 2019 to the CDFW Gray Wolf web page.

CDFW has posted a depredation investigation report from March 16, 2019 to the CDFW Gray Wolf web page.

CDFW has posted new wolf photos and videos on the CDFW Gray Wolf webpage, CDFW YouTube Channel and Flickr page.

CDFW has posted its Quarterly Wolf News Updates, including the California's Known Wolves - Past and Present document and Wolf Activity Map, on the CDFW Gray Wolf webpage.

An update to the California's Known Wolves - Past and Present document and a depredation report from Dec. 5 have been posted to the CDFW Gray Wolf website. CDFW was notified by ODFW that OR-59, a male dispersing wolf approximately 1.5 years old, had crossed the state line into Modoc County on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018. On Dec. 5, a calf that died from natural causes was scavenged in the area, and evidence at the scene (as well as GPS data) indicate that OR-59 was in the immediate vicinity. On Dec. 9, CDFW was notified by ODFW of a mortality signal for OR-59. CDFW Wildlife Officers responded to the last known location and found OR-59 deceased. This is now under a criminal investigation conducted by wildlife officers from CDFW’s law enforcement division. CDFW takes very seriously any threats to this recovering wolf population, and will investigate fully any possible criminal activity in these deaths. CDFW reminds the public that killing a wolf is a potential crime and subject to serious penalties including imprisonment.

CDFW has posted a depredation investigation report from November 27, 2018 to the CDFW Gray Wolf web page.

CDFW has posted a "Considerations for Classification of Reported Wolf Depredation Incidents" document with revised technical guidance to the CDFW Gray Wolf web page. The categories and definitions considered when investigating and classifying reported wolf depredations have been updated. The USDA Wildlife Services contributed to the revision. The revised document will help livestock producers, stakeholders, and the interested public to better understand wolf depredation determinations made by CDFW. The new categories are effective December 3, 2018.