Even though gray wolf packs haven't roamed California for almost a century, the state is considering listing the animal as endangered.

The discussion to protect the species started after a lone wolf from Oregon was found wandering throughout the Golden State in 2011. Some wildlife officials hope it's a sign the animals can repopulate their former habitat within 10 years.

Nothing is going to happen for at least 90 days. The California Fish and Game Commission decided Wednesday to wait three months before determining whether to list the wolf as endangered.

As California mulls more protections for wolves, many states have relaxed their rules on killing the animals. On Wednesday, the Arizona House of Representatives approved a Senate bill that allows ranchers to kill endangered Mexican wolves in self-defense.