Full Breakdown
Gray Wolf Spotted in California’s Mendocino National Forest Amid Federal Protection Debate
9/9/2026, 9:39:35 AM
Gray Wolf Confirmed in Mendocino National Forest
State wildlife officials verified the presence of a gray wolf in the far-north end of Lake County, where Mendocino, Glenn and Lake counties converge. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) received two reports and photographs in late August, sent a biologist to the site, and confirmed wolf tracks at one of the locations. The sighting marks the first confirmed wolf occurrence west of the Sacramento Valley and the first confirmed crossing of Interstate 5, a historic boundary for the state’s recovering population.
Expansion of California’s Wolf Population
Gray wolves returned to California in 2011 after being extirpated by the 1920s. Over the past decade the species has spread primarily in the remote northeast, with at least 50 documented individuals statewide. The Mendocino sighting therefore signals a potential westward expansion of the pack network.
Official Responses
CDFW Deputy Director of Public Affairs Alicia de la Garza said a CDFW wolf biologist verified the photos, conducted surveys and confirmed tracks. State gray-wolf coordinator Axel Hunnicutt described the evidence as “a good thing” and an indication that the species is expanding its range. President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Supporting America’s Ranchers,” directing the Interior Department to review within 90 days whether gray wolves and Mexican wolves should lose or have reduced protections under the Endangered Species Act. The species remains protected under both federal and California law while the review proceeds.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Once again, we see this administration attempting to override the checks and balances provided by bedrock environmental laws like the Endangered Species Act in order to create industry carveouts and distract from other bad policies that are proving unpopular,” — Leia Barnett
