California wolf coordinator: at least 50 wolves confirmed statewide; agency promotes nonlethal deterrents and compensation

Libby Ehlers, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s wolf coordinator for Plumas and Sierra counties, briefed Good Morning Truckee attendees on the status of wolves in California and the agency’s approach to coexistence with livestock producers.

Ehlers said wolves naturally recolonized California from Oregon and, as of the end of 2024, CDFW’s minimum known count for the state was 50 wolves. “At the end of 24 we have a minimum estimated count of 50 across the state,” she said. In 2025 the agency had 14 collared wolves across four packs to improve monitoring and movement data.

Ehlers reviewed historical context and legal status: wolves were largely eradicated in the lower 48 by the early 20th century and are currently protected under the federal Endangered Species Act and the California Endangered Species Act. CDFW said it manages monitoring, research and conflict response in partnership with federal agencies, land managers and local groups.

The agency’s top management goals, Ehlers said, are to reduce livestock losses through nonlethal tools and to maintain up-to-date population information. “We’re really trying…to work on nonlethal tools to really help producers. Everything from putting flags up, livestock guard dog programs that we'd like to see in the future, flashing lights,” she said. Ehlers also described a compensation program that reimburses producers for the market value of animals lost to wolves in verified depredations.

Ehlers encouraged the public to report wolf sightings through CDFW’s wolf program portal and said the department posts maps, sightings and program materials online. She emphasized outreach and said CDFW aims to minimize negative interactions while continuing research and monitoring.