Three New Gray Wolf Packs Confirmed in Northern California

California’s gray wolf population is on the rise, with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife confirming three new wolf packs in the northern part of the state. The newly documented Ishi pack in eastern Tehama County, Tunnison pack in central Lassen County, and Ashpan pack in eastern Shasta County bring the state’s total known packs to 10.

The discovery marks continued progress in the reestablishment of wolves in California, where the species was absent for nearly a century before returning in 2011. The first modern pack, the Shasta pack, was confirmed in 2015. Today, packs span across Lassen, Plumas, Siskiyou, Shasta, Sierra, Tehama, and Tulare counties.

“It’s inspiring to watch this renaissance,” said Amaroq Weiss of the Center for Biological Diversity. “We should do everything we can to ensure California’s wolves have every chance to thrive.”

A new map from the Center shows wolf pack growth across the West Coast from 2008 to 2024, with 78 pack territories now confirmed across California, Oregon, and Washington.

While wolf recovery is progressing, challenges remain. Two members of the Yowlumni pack in Tulare County were found dead this year, with investigations underway. Additionally, a lone wolf was recently spotted on camera as far south as Kern County.

Despite some pushback from rural counties, advocates emphasize the ecological importance of wolves and the rarity of conflicts with livestock or people.

Wolves remain protected under both state and federal law in California. It is illegal to harm them unless in defense of human life.