The gray wolf (Canis lupus) became extirpated, or locally extinct, in California in the 1920s. But this large member of the dog family was once a native species in California that ranged widely here and throughout much of the United States. In recent years, gray wolves have been returning to California. 

Their slow comeback is a natural progression of population growth happening in other western states. Wildlife specialists with the USDA Forest Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are working together to monitor and conserve this recovering species by looking for signs of their whereabouts with boots on the ground, satellite collars, and DNA analysis.

In this latest episode of our Forest Focus audio podcast, we’re focused on gray wolves, and we’ll hear from USDA Forest Service biologist Tom Rickman and California Department of Fish and Wildlife wolf expert Kent Laudon.
Listen to the audio journey  here.