FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 3, 2015

Contact: Courtney Sexton, 202.772.0253, csexton@defenders.org

Roll Out the Welcome Mat For Wolves In California – They’re Back!
Department of Fish and Wildlife confirms multiple sightings of new gray wolf in CA

SACRAMENTO – Today the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced that wildlife biologists have been tracking a gray wolf that has likely dispersed from Oregon into Siskiyou County in northern California. The presence of this new wolf – whose sex and specific origins have yet to be determined – affirms support for the ready return of gray wolves to California. After nearly a century without wolves being present in the state, this new wolf is now the second in the last four years known to cross the border into California. In recent years “wandering wolf” OR-7 was made famous for several trips into the Golden State, and has now started his own pack in Oregon’s southern Cascades not far from the California border.

The following is a statement from Jamie Rappaport Clark, Former President and CEO, Defenders of Wildlife:

“The presence of this second-known wolf in California is a source of hope and excitement for the recovery of the species, not just in the state, but across America. We have long known that there is abundant suitable habitat for wolves in California, and it was only a matter of time before they made their way back.

“Polls and the last year’s listing under the California Endangered Species Act have shown that Californians are ready to welcome wolves home to the Golden State, and there couldn’t be a better time. Gray wolves are still struggling to recover throughout the country, but California now has an opportunity to help lead the way to that recovery. The state must take care not to make the mistakes that we have seen in places like Idaho and the northern Rockies, where wolves are still being needlessly slaughtered. Californians can coexist with wolves, and the wolves are clearly telling us that they are ready to come home.”

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Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than 1.2 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit www.defenders.org and follow us on Twitter @DefendersNews.

For nearly 80 years, Defenders of Wildlife has worked to protect and restore America’s wildlife at risk of extinction, advancing a vision of a future in which wildlife thrives, sustained by broad public support and a resilient network of healthy lands and waters. With a network of more than 2 million supporters, Defenders is an advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on Instagram @defendersofwildlife.  

 

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