California’s only known pack of wolves has added a few members as a litter of eight puppies was produced this spring, bringing the total number of wolves in the pack to at least 14.
According to California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the pups have been confirmed via trail cams and field observations. So far, 6 (4 male, 2 female) have had their gender identified.
The pack, which is known as the Lassen Pack because it lives in the Lassen National Forest in the northern part of the state, lost its original breeding male, so the origin of the new male is unknown. Officials believe there are multiple uncollared wolves living in Northern California that have entered the state through Oregon.
This spring, there have been three instances of wolves killing livestock in California. Two of those deaths came from the Lassen Pack and another from an uncollared wolf.