FRESNO, Calif.(AP) — State scientists say the lone wolf roaming far Northern California should be considered a candidate for listing under the state endangered species act.
A report from the Department of Fish and Game calls the presence of the gray wolf that crossed the border from Oregon last December “historic and a scientific certainty.” The report says that other wolves could migrate to form breeding populations.
The report was presented Wednesday to members of the California Fish and Game Commission, which will decide at a future meeting whether to officially protect the gray wolf.
The agency is acting on a petition for listing filed by the Center for Biological Diversity and other environmental groups.
Some are concerned that cattle ranchers might view the wolf, known as OR-7, as a potential threat to livestock.