The California Farm Bureau encourages livestock producers to protect their herds with nonlethal gray wolf management training.
The bureau invites ranchers in wolf territory to participate in a free training for the ability to use nonlethal projectiles such as paint/powder projectiles and pursuit to haze wolves interacting with livestock. The training is authorized by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s Wildlife Services.
Trainings are set across Northeastern California and organizers say additional dates will be added as trainings are scheduled. Two trainings are currently scheduled locally:
- Sept. 10: Sierraville
- Sept. 11: Taylorsville
Trainings are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration and more regional training opportunities are available on the Protect Your Herd webpage.
Wolves are protected under both federal and California law. Mountain lions are specially protected under California law. Other predator species are regulated differently. The bureau instructs livestock producers to consult specific guidelines to know what options are available to protect their property.
If predators are present, ranchers can take steps to protect their animals, said the bureau:
- Develop a relationship with the sheriff’s office and county supervisors.
- Regularly communicate with neighbors about predator-related activities and sightings.
- Remove attractants.
- Move lambing or calving to safer locations.
- Night pen where and when possible.
The bureau offers the following information on characteristics of different types of predator attacks:
- Wolves inflict numerous bites after long chases. Livestock is attacked from behind. Larger livestock is attacked at hindquarters and limbs, while smaller prey is attacked on the back, throat and neck.
- Coyotes attack hindquarters and throat areas, leaving multiple smaller punctures and bite scrapes.
- Bears ambush prey rather than pursue it over long distances. Prey is attacked from the top. Large punctures may be present from biting and shaking. Wide long claw marks may be present from holding prey.
- Mountain lions typically stalk and ambush prey. Kills occur by biting the head and spine, or biting the throat. Minimal bite readjustment marks are present. Claws leave narrow cuts with clean edges.
If a livestock attack occurs, the bureau instructs producers to request an investigation by calling their local sheriff’s office, local trapper or Wildlife Services. They should photograph the scene, including bite marks next to a ruler for scale. They should protect and cover tracks, and cover the carcass to avoid scavenging.
Documenting the location helps the California Farm Bureau push for better solutions to predator conflicts, said organizers. They also suggest connecting with local livestock and natural resources advisors.
A fact sheet on ranching with predators is available, as is a compensation and loss program application. More information is also available from local personnel:
- Libby Ehlers, CDFW biologist and wolf coordinator for Plumas and Sierra counties, 916-336-2107
- Lt. Kyle Kroll, CDFW game warden for Sierra, Plumas and Lassen counties, 530-575-5736
- Sean Ihle, CDFW game warden for Plumas County, 530-967-8946
