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Wolves are returning to California.
CalWolf provides a clear, balanced overview of the return of gray wolves to California, drawing on public agency reports and scientific research.
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Latest public snapshot · July 2026
California wolves at a glance
The latest public materials show eleven confirmed packs. The statewide population figure remains the most recent complete annual count, while 2026 reproduction is still a partial seasonal update.
Annual report
The 2025 Report, Summarized
Recovery continued—and management became more complex.
California ended 2025 with nine confirmed packs and at least 55 wolves, a 10% increase from 2024. Four new packs were recognized, 19 wolves were captured for collaring, and 12 dispersal events were documented.
Population growth
55 minimum wolves, up 10%
Reproduction
At least 32 pups in six packs
Monitoring
19 wolves captured for collaring
Movement
12 documented dispersal events
Current status · 2026
California's confirmed packs
CDFW's July 2026 materials describe eleven confirmed packs. Public counts are often minimums or partial observations, and Yowlumni is now treated here as status-under-review rather than included in the confirmed-pack count.
Lassen
- Region
- SW Lassen / N Plumas
- Established
- 2017
- Latest detail
- At least 2 pups in 2026
Whaleback
- Region
- Central & eastern Siskiyou
- Established
- 2021
- Latest detail
- At least 9 pups in 2026
Harvey
- Region
- W Lassen / E Shasta
- Established
- 2023
- Latest detail
- At least 4 pups in 2026
Yowlumni
- Region
- E Tulare / N Kern
- Established
- 2023
- Latest detail
- Status under review; only CA091 detected in 2026
Diamond
- Region
- E Plumas / S Lassen
- Established
- 2024
- Latest detail
- At least 5 pups in 2026
Ice Cave
- Region
- E Tehama / NW Plumas
- Established
- 2024
- Latest detail
- 6 pups in 2025
Ashpan
- Region
- Eastern Shasta
- Established
- 2025
- Latest detail
- At least 2 wolves
Tunnison
- Region
- Central Lassen
- Established
- 2025
- Latest detail
- At least 2 known adults
Grizzly
- Region
- Southern Plumas
- Established
- 2025
- Latest detail
- Pair plus a documented pup
Interstate
- Region
- NW Modoc / SW Oregon border
- Established
- 2026
- Latest detail
- At least 5 pups in 2026
Whitehorse
- Region
- SW Modoc
- Established
- 2026
- Latest detail
- 2 wolves documented
Long Valley
- Region
- Eastern Sierra County
- Established
- 2026
- Latest detail
- At least 2 wolves into 2026
CDFW confirmed at least 25 pups in five packs through June 2026: Ashpan 5, Harvey 4, Lassen 2, Whitehorse 5, and Whaleback 9. Beginning July 1, 2026, CDFW also switched to statewide CA### identifiers for individual wolves. Pack composition changes frequently; these are concise public summaries, not real-time population counts.
July 2026 activity map
Where California’s packs are established
CDFW’s statewide map shows pack territories and other areas of documented wolf activity across California.
Explore the full map
Open a larger version with map context, source notes, and a link to CDFW’s original file.
Open the map page →Explore trusted resources
Go deeper
Official status, maps, research, reporting tools, and livestock guidance.
Official
CDFW Gray Wolf Program
Current reports, pack status, management and conservation information.
Open resource → InteractiveCDFW Wolf Location Map
Approximate recent locations of GPS-collared wolves.
Open map → NewsCDFW Wolf Updates
Quarterly reports, monitoring updates and public notices.
Read updates → FederalU.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Federal status and broader recovery information.
Open resource → ResearchCalifornia Wolf Project
UC Berkeley research on ecology, movement, diet and coexistence.
Visit project → ResearchUC Davis Wolf Research
Research focused on wolf-livestock interactions and ranching impacts.
View research → LivestockConflict & Compensation
Deterrence tools, depredation guidance and compensation information.
Find guidance → PublicReport a Possible Sighting
Send observations, photographs or sign directly to CDFW.
Report to CDFW → MediaCalifornia Wolf Photos
Official CDFW photographs and videos of wolves in California.
View media →