The gray wolf (Canis lupus) is a native species that was likely extirpated from California in the 1920s. Wolves are now returning to California on their own by dispersal of individuals from source populations in other states. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has not reintroduced gray wolves to the state.
The CDFW is working to monitor this recovering endangered species protected under the California Endangered Species Acts. Wolves pose little human safety risk. The public reporting of potential wolf sightings in California are investigated, and valued as a monitoring tool.