A gray wolf, identified as BEY03F, was documented in Los Angeles County near Pyramid Lake on Saturday, February 7, 2026, marking the first confirmed presence of the species in the region in over a century.
The 3-year-old female wolf’s arrival was detected through data transmitted by her GPS collar, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Axel Hunnicutt, gray wolf coordinator for the department, stated that Here’s the furthest south a wolf has been verified since the reintroduction program began three decades ago. “I can’t tell you the last time there was a wolf in L.A. County, but it likely was well over a hundred years ago,” Hunnicutt said.
BEY03F originated from the Beyem Seyo Pack in Plumas County, California, and was fitted with a GPS collar in May 2025 while associating with the Yowlumni Pack in Tulare County. Her journey to Los Angeles County involved traveling more than 370 miles and traversing the length of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, according to reports from The Los Angeles Times.
Wildlife officials believe the wolf is currently seeking a mate. The fact that she continues to move suggests she has not yet found a suitable partner or habitat. Experts note that the return of wolves to California is a result of reintroduction efforts that began in Yellowstone National Park.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is utilizing its tracker to monitor BEY03F’s movements and mitigate potential conflicts between wolves and livestock. As of February 10, 2026, the wolf had moved slightly north of Pyramid Lake, according to the latest GPS data.
The wolf’s presence in Los Angeles County represents a significant milestone in the species’ recovery, following a period of near-complete extirpation from the region. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife continues to monitor her location.
