California’s Gray Wolf Population Is Growing Quickly, Nearly Doubling In Size

In 2016, a pair of wolves were detected in Lassen County, essentially becoming the state’s first resident lupine locals amid more and more sightings in the northern half of the state. Now, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, the state’s gray wolves are growing in size methodically, if not quickly. Here are some details:

In its quarterly report, published Friday, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced that the birth of 30 pups brings the total number of known wolves in the state to 65.

“Seeing wolves return to the places this magnificent species once called home and have these adorable new pups is as inspiring as it gets,” said Amaroq Weiss, senior wolf advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity. 

Though the gray wolf is native to California, the canines were hunted to near extinction in the 1920s. The population has experienced a resurgence since 2011, however, with scientists optimistic that California is becoming more habitable for its endangered gray wolves.