advancing ethical conservation
WHY WOLF CONSERVATION MATTERS
Photo: CDFW (Axel Hunnicut)After nearly a century of absence due to eradication and human pressure, wild wolves are beginning to return to California. Today, the state is home to an estimated 70+ wolves across 10 known packs (California Department of Fish & Wildlife, 2025). As apex predators, wolves help support biodiversity and healthier ecosystems by influencing prey behavior and ecological balance (Ripple & Beschta, 2012).
Their recovery represents an important opportunity to advance science-based coexistence, ethical conservation across California, as well asembrace the age-old relationship between humans and wolves.
wolf conservation
Women for Wolves supports wolf conservation through non-invasive research, coexistence partnerships, fieldwork, and community-centered initiatives focused on protecting wolves and empowering communities.
California wolf research, trail camera monitoring, movement ecology, and coexistence-focused field studies.
Coexistence research, exploring non-lethal deterrent tools, guardian animal strategies, & community-centered approaches to living alongside predators.
The Wolf Footage Grant Program is a micro-grant initiative that partners with landowners to advance wolf research & coexistence.
Cactus is a conservation detection dog helping to track & protect wolves
Cactus is supporting non-invasive wolf research through specialized training. By helping locate signs of wolf presence in the field, he will gain valuable experience tracking wildlife and observing wolf behavior. These skills could support future collaborations with wildlife agencies and researchers working to better understand recolonizing wolves and advance science-based, non-lethal conservation strategies.
coexistence with predators
Danielle Hanosh of Blackberry Creek Farm Sanctuary shares how livestock guardian dogs help protect animals without lethal control.
Indigenous Perspectives on Wolves
Our partners at The Bear Project of the Oglala Lakota Nation, Teton and Adonis Saltes share the cultural significance of wolves and perspectives on humanity’s relationship with nature: offering a contrast to the fear-based narratives often shaped by Western ideology.