California Launches Wolf Mapping System in Wake of Attacks on Cattle

The state provides approximate location of GPS-collared wolves to ranchers and the public once a day.

A female gray wolf of the Whaleback Pack is collared and set to be released, in Siskiyou County, California. Courtesy of Debbie Bacigalupi

California ranchers say an online map that shows the approximate locations of GPS-collared wolves is a step in the right direction but lacks real-time tracking and accuracy to be truly effective.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) introduced its “Wolf Tracker” feature on its website in mid-May. The automated wolf location mapping system is available to the public and shows the approximate location of GPS-collared wolves across the state.