State board votes to protect California wolf

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — California officials have decided to add the gray wolf to the state’s endangered species list.

At a meeting today, the state’s Fish and Game Commission voted 3-1 in favor of the listing, which will keep the animal safe from hunters’ crosshairs. The decision requires a second vote in August to become final.

Cattle ranchers opposed to endangered or threatened status say the wolf is a threat to valuable herds. Environmentalists counter there are places where wolves and livestock exist together.

The debate came as a lone wolf — named OR-7 — began roaming Northern California in 2011.