Twelve gray wolves were recently captured and collared in northern California. The capture procedure occurred between Jan. 14 and 31, with the help of a contracted aircraft and a capture crew, with wolves collected across Siskiyou, Lassen, Plumas, and Sierra counties, according to Lake County News.

“The captures exceeded our expectations and will enhance our ability to monitor our wolf population both for conservation and recovery and also to help mitigate conflict with livestock,” said Axel Hunnicutt, statewide gray wolf coordinator for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).

Captured wolves included members of the Whaleback, Harvey, and Beyem Seyo packs. During the capture, biologists collected DNA and blood samples, and recorded body measurement in an effort to monitor disease and determine genealogy of the wolves within the packs. The wolves were re-released at their capture locations.

“Having multiple collars in each of these packs, especially those on younger wolves, will not only aid current studies looking at diet and land-use preferences but also will provide data on when and where they disperse when leaving their packs,” said Hunnicutt.

Seven of the newly collared wolves were female; the other five were male.

Here’s the breakdown, per wolf pack:

Biologists use GPS collars as a research and management tool to monitor populations, understand landscape use patterns, and minimize livestock conflicts, according to Lake County News.

Collars collect wolf locations several times per day, transmitting that data back to CDFW. They are programmed to drop off the wolf at the end of their two-to-three-year battery life.