The California Department of Fish and Wildlife reports that Director Meghan Hertel recently spent several days in Northern California meeting with local officials, sheriffs, ranchers and community groups to hear directly about the impacts of gray wolves and the realities facing rural California.
“These conversations underscored the strain wolves are placing on families, operations and local economies, and the importance of the department staying closely engaged on the ground,” said the agency. “The return of wolves is a sign of recovering nature, but that success must go hand in hand with supporting rural communities, who are key stewards of our landscapes and wildlife.”
Representatives said they heard clear priorities, including but not limited to better data sharing and additional tools on the ground to respond to wolves.
CDFW, in partnership with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is currently
- Working with county sheriffs on options to authorize their use of less-than-lethal hazing tools like pepper balls to help protect livestock and drive wolves to natural food options.
- Partnering with county representatives to improve access to collared wolf data.
- Offering funding and capacity support for deterrence tools, including carcass removal programs.
- Exploring options for county-based liaison positions to strengthen communications and support for ranchers.
The agency points out there is more work ahead and no one-size-fits-all solution. “We will continue to work with local communities and partners to listen, learn and adapt practical solutions together,” said CDFW. “CDFW remains committed to supporting communities while ensuring gray wolf conservation and recovery.”
Deterrence tools currently available to ranchers include
- Carcass management
- Barriers
- Human presence
- Electronic predator aversion devices
- Guard animals
- Noninjurious hazing
More information about wolf recovery efforts is available on the CDFW website.
