Wolf Spotted in California Coastal Mountains Just North of Bay Area
A young male gray wolf (OR-93) is seen north of Yosemite in this 2021 photo released by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The carnivores have made a comeback in California since they were wiped out a century ago, but they are still endangered.
TL;DR
- A gray wolf was sighted in rural Lake County, California, in the Coast Range, near the Mendocino National Forest.
- This is one of the closest sightings to the Bay Area in modern times for the endangered carnivore.
- State wildlife officials are unsure if the wolf is alone or establishing a pack.
- Wolves began returning to California from other states last decade, settling mostly in the interior north.
- The coastal mountains may be a more suitable habitat due to more natural prey and less livestock.
- Currently, 11 wolf packs and several lone wolves, estimated at 50-75 animals, live in California, protected under endangered species acts.
- The wolf was captured on camera by residents, and tracks and markings were found by officials, but no genetic evidence has been gathered yet.
- Officials are installing cameras to learn more about the wolf's behavior and origins.