Wandering wolf has pups

Gray wolves were listed under the California Endangered Species Act on June 4 despite the species’ 90-year absence from California—save the occasional celebrity appearance, of course.

In early 2013, a gray wolf known as OR-7 (pictured) crossed into California from Oregon, becoming the first of its kind in the state since the species was wiped out in the 1920s. OR-7 recently made news again, this time for fathering at least two pups in southwestern Oregon, according to SFGate.com. Wildlife experts believe OR-7’s offspring could potentially lead to the repopulation of the species in California.

The California Fish and Game Commission’s 3-to-1 vote to protect gray wolves came despite protests from ranchers and hunting groups and a recommendation from Chuck Bonham, the director of the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, to not list the species.