California wolf numbers rose in 2025, wildlife officials say, but breeding pairs fell
From SacBee.com:
California’s wolf population was about 10% higher at the end of 2025 than the year before, despite the deaths of at least 12 animals, including four that were euthanized after attacking livestock, underscoring the state’s growing difficulties in managing protected predators.
There were 55 wolves in California by last December, up from 50 the year before, but down significantly from the previous estimate of 60 to 70 wolves in nine packs across the Sierra Nevada and other regions, according to a report released Thursday by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. But the number of successful breeding pairs — defined as mates that produced at least two pups that survived an entire year — declined from five to three, the report shows.
