Federal wildlife officials have lethally removed an endangered gray wolf, identified as OR158, following multiple unsuccessful attempts at non-lethal deterrence and growing concerns about public safety. The action was taken as a last resort after extensive efforts to prevent conflicts between the wolf and livestock.
The removal was conducted under federal regulations outlined in 50 CFR17.21(c)(3)(iv), which permits the removal of animals listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act when they constitute a demonstrable, though non-immediate, threat to human safety.
According to officials, OR158 was responsible for 8 confirmed depredations and 4 probable depredations of livestock. Before resorting to lethal removal, wildlife managers implemented an extensive array of non-lethal deterrence methods, including range riders, spotlighting, pasture monitoring, fox lights, air cannons, non-lethal projectiles, carcass removal, and drones equipped with thermal optics.
“Catching a wolf in the act of approaching livestock and applying deterrents at that time remains the most effective,” stated officials involved in the case.
New DNA Results Clarify Wolf Activity in Northern California
In related wolf monitoring news, DNA results have recently returned for a group of wolves in Northeast California, temporarily being called the “Modoc Group.” Genetic testing has revealed that four of these wolves originated from the Whaleback Pack in Northern California. While officials have confirmed a minimum of five wolves in this group, local reports suggest there could be as many as seven members.
None of the wolves in the Modoc Group are currently collared, according to agency officials. The genetically identified members include:
- WHA20M: A gray male born in the Whaleback Pack in 2023
- WHA22M: A gray male also born in the Whaleback Pack in 2023
- WHA28F: A gray female born in the Whaleback Pack in 2024
- WHA31M: A black male born in the Whaleback Pack in 2024
Two former Whaleback Pack members previously detected in the Modoc Group’s territory have since moved elsewhere. Black male WHA07M (born 2021) was recently detected by DNA in another area of Northern California distinct from both the Modoc Group and Whaleback Pack territories. Similarly, gray female WHA09F (born 2022) has also apparently left the area.
Clarification on Previous Predation Incidents
The Modoc Group has been implicated in multiple confirmed wolf predations on livestock, with detailed investigations forthcoming from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Importantly, a confirmed wolf predation that occurred on December 23, 2024, in Northern California was initially attributed to OR158 by some observers. However, investigation revealed this predation was actually committed by two wolves from the Whaleback Pack’s 2024 litter: black male WHA31M and gray female WHA28F.
Contrary to some reports, OR158 was not implicated in any confirmed wolf predations during his time in California. Statistics indicate that most of California’s wolf population is not actively involved in livestock predation. Analysis of California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s confirmed wolf predation investigations shows that wolves implicated in these incidents are primarily current or former members of the Whaleback Pack.
Wildlife officials emphasize that such removals are rare and undertaken only after exhausting all other options, as demonstrated by the extensive deterrence efforts applied in this case.
