Wolf reports show continued livestock losses, more packs 

California’s gray wolf population continues to expand and reproduce, while livestock depredations remain concentrated in several Northern California areas, according to several new reports from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The latest CDFW livestock report, updated Aug. 10, lists 108 investigations conducted so far in 2026. The cases include confirmed, probable, possible and unknown wolf involvement, as well as incidents ultimately determined to be unrelated to wolves. CDFW emphasized that genetic evidence can establish that a wolf was present at a carcass but does not, by itself, establish the cause of death.

The most significant recent activity remains in Siskiyou, Lassen and Modoc counties.

The latest report adds a July 30 confirmed wolf depredation involving the Whaleback pack in eastern Siskiyou County, where a calf was killed. A separate July 30 investigation in western Modoc County found a dead calf and classified the incident as probable wolf depredation involving the Whitehorse pack.

The report also lists several more recent investigations, the causes of which remain uncertain. An Aug. 1 dead calf in southern Plumas County was classified as unknown, while an Aug. 2 dead calf in the eastern Sierra was determined to be a nonwolf depredation.

The Whaleback pack stands out because of both its size and its continuing livestock conflicts. CDFW confirmed at least nine pups in the pack this year, bringing another new generation into an area where the department has been investigating repeated livestock losses. 

As of the end of June, four Whaleback depredations were confirmed, and two were considered probable during the quarter. The department indicated it is working with Siskiyou County to resolve 10 pending depredation investigations related to the Whaleback pack.

CDFW’s determination process can distinguish between wolf depredation and other causes of livestock death. Investigators examine bite wounds, hemorrhaging, evidence of a chase or struggle and other physical evidence, while genetic samples, tracks, scat and GPS data from collared wolves can help establish whether wolves were present.

Another development with implications for ranchers is the continued movement of wolves beyond their established pack territories.

The Harvey pack, which ranges primarily through Lassen and eastern Shasta counties, produced at least four pups this year. During the April-June reporting period, CDFW documented three confirmed and one probable livestock depredation involving Harvey wolves. Three of those incidents occurred in Siskiyou County while collared Harvey wolves were making what CDFW calls “extraterritorial movements.” The fourth occurred in Lassen County.

CDFW also reported that the Whitehorse pack, newly recognized in April, produced at least five pups this year. A female from the pack was successfully captured and fitted with a collar in May, potentially improving the department’s ability to track the pack’s movements. The pack had no confirmed or probable depredations during the April-June reporting period, although the July report now includes a probable depredation in western Modoc County.

The July report identifies the Whitehorse pack as one of several groups newly recognized after sustained evidence of wolf presence. CDFW also recognized the Interstate pack in northern Modoc County and the Long Valley pack in the eastern Sierra, reflecting the continued spread and establishment of wolves into new areas.

The Long Valley pack is particularly noteworthy because three wolves were genetically identified during a September 2025 livestock depredation investigation in eastern Sierra County. At least two wolves continued to be detected in the area into April 2026.

Meanwhile, CDFW has changed how it identifies individual wolves. As of July 1, the department abandoned its previous pack-based naming system in favor of sequential California IDs, such as CA077 and CA124. CDFW said the change is intended to make individual identification easier as the number of packs and dispersing wolves increases.

The department also continues to emphasize rapid reporting of suspected depredations. Ideally, investigators respond within hours of a request so evidence is preserved, which can be important when determining whether a livestock loss was caused by wolves.

With California seeing more established packs, more pups and continued movement by individual wolves across county lines, ranchers are encouraged to monitor wolf activity and promptly report suspected losses as the state’s wolf population expands.

“An unknown number of uncollared dispersers likely exist in the state at any time,” CDFW said.

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• California startup advances in Ag Innovation Challenge
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• Wolf reports show continued livestock losses, more packs
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• Meeting to address risk in uncertain times