Residents and visitors in the Truckee area are being advised to stay alert after wolf activity was recently recorded nearby.
According to information shared by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, a wolf has appeared on the agency’s tracking map in the Truckee region. Officials say the data is being shared for situational awareness and does not necessarily mean the animal will be visible or remain in one location for an extended period of time.
CDFW is encouraging the public to take basic precautions, including closely supervising pets, especially during early morning and evening hours, and ensuring livestock are properly protected. People are also reminded not to approach, feed, or harass wildlife.
Anyone who observes a wolf, or captures photos or video, is asked to report the sighting directly to CDFW through its Wildlife Incident Reporting system so the activity can be documented and monitored. Reports can also be made through the CDFW Wildlife Hotline at (916) 358-2917.
The sighting near Truckee comes as wolf activity has increased across parts of Northern California in recent years, sometimes leading to conflicts with livestock operations. In Sierra Valley, four gray wolves were euthanized last year after being linked to an unprecedented number of cattle attacks, despite months of non-lethal deterrence efforts. In Lassen County, the sheriff’s office has also sought additional state assistance as ranchers near Susanville reported rising wolf depredations.
Wildlife officials say tracking and public reporting are key tools in managing wolf populations and balancing public safety with conservation efforts. Gray wolves are a protected species in California and have been gradually reestablishing their presence after being absent from the state for nearly a century.
CDFW officials emphasize that public cooperation helps them better understand wolf movement patterns and make informed decisions as the species continues to expand into new areas.
To see the wolf tracking map, click here.