Watch CBS News

Gray Wolf From Oregon Tracked Into Northern California

REDDING (CBS/AP) -- A gray wolf from Oregon has made its way into Northern California—possibly to mate—and conservationists say it's a hopeful sign of recovery for the endangered local population.

Wildlife officials say OR-25 -- a 3-year-old male with a radio collar—was tracked Wednesday in northern Modoc County.

Amaroq Weiss at the Center for Biological Diversity says OR-25 may be seeking a mate or could be following the scent trail of other wolves who've come south. She says more wolves may follow.

A male, OR-7, visited California in 2011 but now leads an Oregon pack.

Wolves once roamed California but were exterminated by the 1920s. They're now protected. A pack of seven was spotted last year—the first confirmed pack in California in nearly a century.

© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.