Biologists confirmed that a single gray wolf crossed into California’s Siskiyou County from Oregon, the first confirmed wolf presence in the state since the last known wolf was killed in Lassen County in 1924. There have been unconfirmed reports of wolves in California’s Modoc County.
Here are details from the California Department of Fish and Game:
The gray wolf that was wandering in southern Oregon has crossed the California border. According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) this animal is a 2 ½ year old male formerly from a pack in northeast Oregon. Since the animal has been collared with a Global Positioning System (GPS) device that periodically transmits its location, biologists have been able to document its travels since it was collared in February 2011.
Tracking data puts his most recent location as a few miles south of the Oregon border. It is not possible to predict his next movements which could include a return to Oregon.
I personally think this is way cool. I happen to have 5 acres of land for sale near Dorris, California, and I wonder if OR7 has passed on or near my property, which is just south of the Oregon border. I’d like to see wolves reestablished in northern California.
Your Take
Do you want packs of wolves in California? Why or why not?
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I agree with you John, this is way cool!
They could have given him a cooler name though. OR7? Bleh! I suppose we ought to temper our excitement since it’s not a breeding pair or anything, however it’s probably the first sign of what will someday be a wolf population in Siskiyou and Modoc at the least. I think the idea is exciting!
Wolves have created controversy in other states especially with ranchers. Time will tell.
Articles I’ve read about our pal OR7 speculated that eventually small groups of wolves could make it to northern California.
There will be controversy, that’s for sure. Ranchers don’t want to lose livestock to predators.
This is bad news for wolves and California. I live in Siskiyou County and I am not happy about OR7’s arrival. We have worked hard and spent an enormous amount of money to re-establish Elk herds in Sisk. Co. Everyone knows and the facts prove how devasting wolves are to Elk and livestock. Our deer herd is all but wiped out from Mt. Lion and black bear predation. Wolves don’t belong here anymore. 150 years or so ago they had a purpose and place here. Not anymore. I don’t dislike the animal, I just don’t have any fantasies about their presence. This will only bring more hatred for wolves and government wildlife management practices.
Domestic “pet” dogs have caused more damage to me and my property then the above mentioned preditors. Should we eliminate domestic dogs? Many regions have created actions of balance so all of “god’s creatures” can survive locally. We are smart and caring enough in Siskiyou county to learn by example.
Just think, if OR7 gets a mate (we’ll name her CAL1), and they successfully reproduce and start a pack, and they all prey on elk and farm animals, and a few packs emerge from the easy food pickings, and these packs migrate to NW California, you could fall asleep to the howling of a dozen wolves surrounding your sleeping bag in the Trinity Alps. That would be exciting!
Sweet dreams. 🙂
OR7 has now made it’s way into Shasta county!
This is totally awesome. I really hope that people on all sides can agree that it’s a great thing to conserve life. We live in rural northern California – amongst bears – it would be sad not to have such beautiful animals like this wolf running about. If people can’t handle a single predatory animal in our midst, they should go back to the save concrete jungle where they’d be more comfy!
I think this is fantastic. I’ve been watching the DF&G updates. I personally suspect that wolves have been in Modoc County following big game, but to now have a confirmed one – I’m just ecstatic.
Looking at the track it took, it came very close to one of the last known locales of Rana cascadae in the Lassen population. A formerly extirpated species saying hi to another that needs help.
I would not be surprised if there is another wolf or three in Lassen County where it currently seems to be hanging out, perhaps one that wandered from Modoc? I guess time will tell. It would be cool to see a pack established up here (I’m in Shasta County), and it will happen eventually even if this wolf is a lone wolf, but I’m hoping there are already a few others that came in un-noticed.
Great to see support for this mystic animal, a keystone species for the health of our ecosystem. I know the path is uphill, but now is the time to support the reestablishment of the wolf in California. If you indeed would like to see the wolf make his way back home, support organizations like the one I represent. We will focus on the education and public outreach to have a healthier understanding of the wolf. I have launched a campaign to support the reintroduction of the wolf now and in the future – with continued and sustained support throughout the future of our planet. Check out the website and support the cause in anyway possible.