New wolf pack in Northern California – with pups

Another wolf pack has been found in rural Northern California, complete with pups. The family is descended from the famous wolf OR7, who roamed the north state for several years after migrating from Oregon. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife reported Wednesday that its biologists have fitted a tracking collar on a female gray wolf in Lassen County. Officials said they’ve confirmed that the wolf and her mate have produced at least three pups this year. The 75-pound female was captured and fitted for a collar June 30, after 12 days of trapping attempts, the department said. “The anesthesia and collaring process went smoothly and the wolf was in excellent condition,” said the department’s senior wildlife veterinarian Dr. Deana Clifford in a prepared statement. “Furthermore, our physical examination indicated that she had given birth to pups this spring.” The department said a trail camera operated by the U.S. Forest Service showed the female wolf with her three pups. The adults were first spotted on camera last summer . The family has been dubbed the Lassen Pack. Environmentalists celebrated the announcement. “It’s pretty fabulous news for California and for wolves,” said Amaroq Weiss, a wolf advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity..more