California wildlife officials say more than $3.5 million has been distributed to livestock producers impacted by the return of gray wolves to the state.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced it has administered about $3.52 million through the Wolf-Livestock Compensation Program, which was funded by the state Legislature to help ranchers offset costs associated with wolves.
The program provides payments in three categories: direct livestock losses attributed to wolves, “pay for presence” payments when wolves are confirmed in an area, and funding for deterrent tools designed to help ranchers prevent conflicts.
According to the department, most of the compensation has been distributed in Northern California counties where wolf activity has been concentrated, including Siskiyou County, Lassen County, Modoc County, Plumas County, Shasta County, Sierra County and Tulare County.
Data released by the department shows Siskiyou County has received the largest share of funding to date, with payments exceeding $2 million. Other counties, including Lassen, Modoc and Plumas, have received smaller amounts to help producers address wolf-related impacts.
The compensation program was created after the return of the Gray Wolf to California beginning in the early 2010s. Wildlife officials say the program is intended to support livestock producers while the state continues managing the recovering wolf population.
The department said it will continue working with eligible producers to distribute available funds. Information about grant eligibility and application materials is available through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
