California Wolf Management Enters Phase Two

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the state has entered Phase 2 of gray wolf management in response to a growing wolf population. With seven known wolf packs and additional areas of activity—including several packs meeting the breeding pair definition—CDFW has adjusted its approach as outlined in its 2016 Conservation Plan.

According to the agency, central aspect of this phase focuses on agricultural concerns. CDFW will continue monitoring livestock depredations and notes that over $3.1 million has been paid in compensation through its comprehensive, three-pronged Wolf Livestock Compensation Program. Refined from an earlier pilot, the program now emphasizes direct livestock losses while providing technical assistance and coordinating with local agricultural stakeholders such as county agriculture departments, cattle associations, and Farm Bureau boards.

Additionally, CDFW plans to release an online tool mapping GPS-collared

= wolves to help livestock producers track wolf movements near their operations, balancing wolf conservation with agricultural needs.