Gray Wolf Update: Siskiyou County’s Whaleback Pack Shows Strong Growth in Latest CDFW Report

SISKIYOU COUNTY, Calif. – As gray wolves continue their gradual return to California’s wild landscapes, the latest updates from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) shine a spotlight on activity in Siskiyou County. The Whaleback pack, based in the eastern part of the county, remains active and robust, according to the agency’s Quarterly Wolf News Update for July through October 2025. This report, released alongside other key documents like an updated activity map and depredation summary, provides valuable insights for local residents, ranchers, and wildlife enthusiasts.

The Whaleback pack, one of California’s established wolf groups, was confirmed to have produced ten pups this year through genetic analysis and camera trap footage. CDFW biologists collected scat from vacated den sites to verify the litter size. The pack includes several collared individuals for monitoring: OR85 (the breeding male), WHA01F (the breeding female), and WHA29F (a female from the 2024 litter). These GPS collars help track movements and behavior, aiding in conservation efforts and conflict prevention.

While the pack’s growth is a positive sign for wolf recovery in the state—where wolves were extirpated in the 1920s and began naturally recolonizing from Oregon about a decade ago—it comes with challenges. The quarterly update notes eight confirmed and five probable livestock depredations attributed to the Whaleback pack during the reporting period. However, the 2025 Wolf-Livestock Depredation Report (as of November 1) surprisingly lists zero incidents in Siskiyou County for the year, with higher numbers in neighboring areas like Modoc County (88 incidents). This discrepancy may stem from border-crossing activities, as eastern Siskiyou adjoins Modoc, and wolves often range across county lines. Statewide, depredations have been a hot topic, with packs like Beyem Seyo and Harvey accounting for the bulk of confirmed cases.

CDFW emphasizes collaboration to mitigate conflicts, working closely with livestock producers, county officials, and federal agencies like USDA Wildlife Services and the U.S. Forest Service. In areas of known wolf presence, such as eastern Siskiyou, the agency promotes non-lethal deterrents like fencing, guard animals, and range riders. The report highlights ongoing communications, including presentations on wolf-livestock interactions and quarterly interagency meetings.

Beyond the Whaleback pack, the update mentions limited activity in nearby southwestern Modoc County, where two wolves were detected, including one collared individual (DIS07M). No other packs or significant activity were reported directly in Siskiyou, but the broader northern California region shows expanding wolf presence.

CDFW relies on public input to track this federally endangered species (protected under the Endangered Species Act) and encourages Siskiyou residents to report sightings via the Gray Wolf Sightings Report page on their website. Accurate reports help refine maps and support management strategies that balance wildlife conservation with rural livelihoods.

For more details, visit the CDFW Gray Wolf page, where you can download the full Quarterly Update, activity map, known wolves list, and depredation report.