Department Evaluation of the Petition to List Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) as Endangered in California Fish and Game Commission Meeting October 3, 2012

1.Department’s evaluation of the petition to list the gray wolf as endangered in California (CA) 2.Overview of Department plans for conservation and management of gray wolf in CA 3.Update on wolf OR7 and clarify Department’s actions related to concerns/reports on wolves Purpose Presentation - Three Parts:

Partners, Stakeholders, and DFG Staff: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partners U.S. Department of Agriculture -Wildlife Services partners Stakeholder organizations Mark Stopher, Karen Kovacs, Richard Callas, Pete Figura, Rhianna Lee, Dale Steele, Dan Applebee, Mike Carion and LED staff, Leadership/OGC team Acknowledgments

Petition Petition to List the Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) as an Endangered Species Under the California Endangered Species Act Center for Biological Diversity Big Wildlife Environmental Protection Information Center Klamath Siskiyou Wildlands Center February 27,

Part 1- Petition Evaluation Per Fish and Game Code (FGC) : evaluate the petition on its facein relation to other relevant information the department shall evaluate the petition on its face and in relation to other relevant information the department possesses or receives, and submit to the commission its written evaluation report. The focus of our evaluation is on the species gray wolf, Canis lupus, in CA Evaluate the petition and other information in 12 topic areas

CCR Title 14, § Listing of Endangered and Threatened Species "the petition on its face" Elements (Partial list) Sufficient Scientific Information in California Other Relevant Scientific Information Population Trend Range Distribution Abundance (How many) Life History Kind of Habitat Necessary for Survival

Population Trend Population trend- is the population going up/down/static? No Scientific Information for CA (population did go from 0 to 1) Gray wolf populations increasing in other areas outside of CA. Some states such as Idaho now actively managing numbers. Potential for a breeding population of wolves in CA

Range Range is geographic area inhabited by a population(s) of a species No scientific information for CA Premature to identify a range given the lack of a reproducing population. Gray wolves are a wide-ranging species in North America. Occupy large geographic areas to support a population.

Distribution No scientific information for CA Gray wolf populations have been expanding in the western United States. States embarking on active management through hunting programs may affect future expansion.

Abundance Abundance is how many wolves in CA No scientific information for CA. We know there is one radio-collared wolf in the state. It is possible there are other wolves. Surveys, remote camera stations have not detected any other wolves. Increase in gray wolf populations in the west. Relevance to CA is uncertain at this time.

Life History Life history - the behaviors and biology of the animal No scientific information for CA Other information likely relevant if a population of wolves were to become established in CA.

Kind of Habitat Necessary for Survival No scientific information for CA Info from elsewhere may provide some insight into the potential habitat(s) necessary. CA’s climate and habitats more varied and complex than other western states. Unless wolves become established and are studied, details and relevance will remain uncertain.

Factors affecting survival and reproduction Factors affecting survival and reproduction - habitat loss, mortality, etc. No scientific information for CA Other information in the Petition may be applicable to CA. These factors cannot be accurately projected in the absence of data on human response and habitat loss.

Degree and Immediacy of Threat Degree and immediacy of threat - human predation, habitat loss primarily No scientific information for CA Degree and immediacy of threat is uncertain. There will be both negative and positive attitudes related to wolf in CA.

Impact of Existing Management Impact of existing management – human predation, habitat loss, etc. No scientific information for CA Planning/outreach activity related to wolf conservation and management. Initiating a comprehensive plan similar to other states. There is uncertainty regarding how management activities may affect wolves.

Suggestions for Future Management No scientific information that the recommended actions are necessary. Information from elsewhere is likely relevant and may inform strategies in CA. Actions that may be necessary in CA are uncertain.

Sources of Information, Distribution Map (Yes/No) The Petition did not include a detailed distribution map; provided a general historic range map. The Petition includes a list of references cited in the document. The references were not provided by petitioners.

Measure or Criteria Evaluated Sufficient Scientific Information in California? Other Relevant Information? Population TrendNoLikely relevant RangeNoLikely relevant DistributionNoLikely relevant Abundance (number of animals)We know of 1Uncertain relevance Life HistoryNoLikely relevant Kind of Habitat Necessary for SurvivalNoUncertain relevance Factors affecting Survival/ReproductionNoUncertain relevance Degree and Immediacy of ThreatNoUncertain relevance Impact of Existing ManagementNoUncertain relevance Suggestions for Future ManagementNoLikely relevant Avail and Sources of InformationNo and YesNo Detailed distribution mapNo

Department Recommendation The Department’s review of relevant information in relation to the petition leads the Department to recommend that the Commission accept the petition for further consideration. The Department believes there is sufficient information to indicate that the petitioned action may be warranted.

Part Two - The Proactive Efforts Planning for wolf conservation and management Department, USFWS, and Wildlife Services have a joint coordination plan to address wolf issues. Federal ESA grant for a written plan/strategy. Conducted several stakeholder meetings and briefings with county govt. officials. Stakeholder efforts will continue as we develop a plan.

Planning Document Planning document will develop goals and objectives for wolves in California Elements will include: Conservation and management of wolves if a population or pack(s) becomes established Addressing livestock depredation and strategies to prevent and resolve them Addressing wolf predation on key game species-elk and deer Disease and health issues and concerns Public safety

Part Three - Update on OR7 Location is tracked by GPS telemetry points 4x per day Collar anticipated to last until early 2014 Spent most of summer in the forested area in the vicinity of Lake Almanor/Lassen Park- still in that area Only verified sighting was in Modoc County in May, (photos by Shinn) No knowledge that he has killed any animals; some carcasses that he has fed on have been located

Part Three - Clarification Clarifying Internet/ concerns and stories and inaccurate reporting: The Department has no plans to bring 400 wolves to CA There are no plans to release wolves for OR7 to find The Department has not released any wolves The Department has no evidence there are other wolves in the wild in CA

Part Three - Clarification (Continued) (Internet/ concerns, stories, etc.) Elk were not translocated into Northern CA for wolves We do not propose to reintroduce wolves by 2017 (this was a recommendation in the petition however) The Department has not recommended the gray wolf be listed. Various disease vectors are feared to be brought in by wolves; some have previously been detected in California.

Concern that these gray wolves (Canis lupus) are a large race of wolves from Canada? FemaleMale Idaho wolves83 lb99 lb Oregon wolves81 lb100 lb Alaska wolves90 lb Canada wolves91 lb106 lb CA mountain lions82 lb110 lb Part Three - Clarification (Continued) (Internet/ concerns, stories, etc.)

Thank you California Department of Fish and Game