Wolf protection?

The California Fish and Game Commission is looking into declaring the gray wolf as a candidate for the state’s endangered species list. Since last December California has been home to OR7, a male wolf who split from his pack in northeastern Oregon to check out the Golden State. His migration has brought him into Butte County, though he is currently residing in eastern Plumas County, where he is protected under federal law.

According to a press release, a status review will be conducted over the next 12 months, which could provide OR7 and other wandering wolves protection under state law.

“We have very little information on the history and status of wolves in California,” said Michael Sutton, vice president of the Fish & Game Commission.

The DFG says it is likely that wolves were once widely distributed across California before they were exterminated by humans in the early 20th century. The petition to list was filed by four environmental groups.