Wolf management update from CDFW

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife recently released an update on wolf activity in the state of California on its grey wolf webpage.

The breeding female’s (LAS01F) collar appeared to cease functioning in November, but the new collar on female pup LAS02F continued working through the end of the year.

The Lassen pack appears to be expanding landscape and habitat use beyond its previously defined home range.

Dispersing wolf OR-54

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During the quarter, OR-54 traveled a minimum distance of 1,013 miles, covering Butte, Lassen, Nevada, Plumas, Shasta and Tehama counties.

She first left her natal pack Jan. 23, 2018, and since then she has covered a minimum distance of 8,712 miles at an average of 13 miles per day.

However, her radio collar appeared to cease functioning in December.

More information about these and other wolves can be found on the CDFW Gray Wolf webpage in a document called “California’s Known Wolves – Past and Present.”

CDFW continues to receive and investigate reports of wolf presence from many parts of California.

Public reports are an important tool for us.

Report wolves or wolf sign on the CDFW Gray Wolf web page:

wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Mammals/Gray-Wolf/ Sighting-Report.

Livestock interactions, depredation investigations

CDFW and USDA Wildlife Services staff investigated two reported possible depredations that were found to have died of non-predation causes.

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Use of deterrent tools

USDA and WS staff removed fladry from one leased fall pasture and installed fladry on three private winter pastures.

Foxlights are in use on one private winter pasture.

Communication

CDFW biologists have been in regular and frequent communication and coordination with CDFW wardens, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA WS, U.S. Forest Service, livestock producers, range riders, conservation organizations, and private timberland owners and managers.

Engagement events

• Presentation at the American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society Joint Annual

Conference. Reno, Nevada, Oct. 2.

• Update to Lassen County Fish and Game Commission. Susanville, Oct. 10.
• Working Circle and rancher update. Conference call, Oct. 18.
• Human Wildlife Coexistence Summit. Pray, Montana, Oct. 22-24
• Update to Sacramento-Shasta Chapter of The Wildlife Society, Mount Shasta, California, Nov. 14
• Update to Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors, Dec. 10
• Update to Nevada County joint Fish and Game and Agriculture Commissions, Nevada City, California, Dec. 19.