California’s Growing Wolf Packs Are Killing Cattle—And Modoc County Ranchers are Fighting Back
As California’s gray wolf population continues to grow, conflicts between wolves and livestock are growing, prompting Modoc County to consider declaring a local emergency urging state officials to act.
Between October and December 2024, wolves killed at least 19 cattle in rural Northern California, primarily in Siskiyou, Modoc, and Lassen counties, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
The Modoc County Board of Supervisors’ resolution calls for state wildlife officials to consider relocating or euthanizing problematic wolves to protect livestock and public safety.
“Authorities are requested to consider euthanizing or relocating problem wolves to prevent livestock losses and ensure public safety,” the March 13 resolution states.
CDFW spokesman Peter Tira said the department is actively tracking wolf activity, informing ranchers, and providing guidance on avoiding conflicts. Still, the resurgence of wolves poses ongoing challenges. Ranchers have expressed frustration with recent state cuts to compensation programs, leaving them without reimbursement for precautionary measures like guard dogs or fencing.
Wolf conservationists advocate for adapting ranching practices, including removing animal carcasses promptly and employing new deterrent techniques. Yet ranchers claimed to have seen reduced effectiveness in previously successful methods like flags, noise deterrents, and electric fencing.
Wolf packs currently active include Beyem Seyo, Diamond, Harvey, Ice Cave, Lassen, Whaleback, and Yowlumni, with primary territories spanning rural Northern California.
Both ranchers and wildlife officials agree solutions require collaboration and adaptation as wolves and ranching continue to coexist and expand across California’s rural landscapes.
