Gray wolf comes south into state

A gray wolf from Oregon has made his 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 said OR-25 may be seeking a mate or could be following the scent trail of wolves that have come south. She said more 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 the state in nearly a century.