California wildlife officials confirmed three new wolf packs in Northern California, bringing the state total to 10.

Continuing a growing trend, three new wolf packs have been confirmed in Northern California, increasing the population of the charismatic and controversial predator to 78 now — up from 44 animals in 2023 and only 7 in 2020.

Wolf advocates are hailing the arrival of the new packs, but local leaders have urged wildlife managers to take a more aggressive approach.