Photo: Naturfoto Honal / Corbis Documentary / Getty Images
In Siskiyou County, California, wolves are becoming a growing concern for ranchers like Joel Torres. At Prather Ranch, Torres, 25, expressed frustration over wolves attacking cattle, particularly young calves. "They've just been tearing into our baby calves," he said, highlighting the challenges faced by local ranchers.
The Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors is addressing these concerns. On Tuesday (April 15), they discussed a letter to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) urging action against wolf predation. The letter cites over 78 confirmed livestock kills since 2021 and stresses the economic impact on ranchers due to stress on livestock, which affects pregnancy rates and weight gain. The board proposed measures like research into conflict mitigation and a robust livestock compensation program, suggesting a $10 million annual fund.
California's wolf population is growing, with nine packs reported by the CDFW. However, this growth has led to increased livestock attacks, with confirmed incidents in Lassen, Siskiyou, and Tulare counties. The California Cattlemen’s Association has called for reconsideration of the species' endangered status if the population reaches eight packs.
Efforts to manage the situation include a CDFW-run Wolf-Livestock Compensation Pilot Program and research by the University of California, Berkeley, to better understand wolf behavior and develop strategies for coexistence. As the wolf population expands, ranchers and state officials continue to seek solutions to balance wildlife conservation with agricultural needs.