Axel Hunnicutt was out early one morning, howling into the wilderness of Northern California. He was trying to locate wolves, specifically the newly identified Ashpan pack, which has at least two members roaming in eastern Shasta County. Hunnicutt is the gray wolf coordinator for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and his mission is to gather more information about these elusive creatures.
This week, the department announced the confirmation of three new wolf packs in the state, bringing the total to ten. The Ishi pack in eastern Tehama County and the Tunnison pack in central Lassen County were also recognized. Experts estimate that there are now over 70 wolves in California, a significant increase from just one pack five years ago.
Hunnicutt, who began his search at 5 a.m., believes that capturing and fitting one of these wolves with a GPS collar will help track their movements. This information is crucial for local ranchers, as it can help them protect their livestock from potential predation by these apex predators. The state has already seen a rise in livestock attacks, with 26 cases of depredation reported between January and March, 16 of which were confirmed to involve wolves.
While conservationists celebrate the return of wolves to California, many ranchers are concerned. Kirk Wilbur, from the California Cattlemen’s Association, highlighted the emotional toll that the presence of wolves has on ranchers. Some counties, including Shasta, have declared states of emergency due to the growing wolf population and its impact on livestock.
The state is taking steps to address these concerns. Recently, they launched an online map showing the locations of GPS-collared wolves to help ranchers avoid conflicts. Additionally, the wildlife department is reviewing its wolf management strategy and considering allowing more aggressive non-lethal methods to deter wolves from livestock.
Hunnicutt noted that while the wolf population is recovering, it remains fragile. He emphasized that protections are vital for their survival, as even a small setback could threaten the current packs. The goal is to ensure a balance between the needs of wildlife and the concerns of ranchers.
As Hunnicutt continued his search for the Ashpan pack, he found signs of their activity, including fresh tracks and droppings. He suspected that these wolves might be denning, which would make them easier to locate. The denning season means the wolves are likely to stay in one area, increasing the chances of tracking them down.
The story of California’s wolves is one of recovery and conflict, as the state grapples with the challenges of reintroducing this iconic species while also supporting the livelihoods of its ranchers.