State wolf experts have determined that since August, wolves have killed 18 animals.
According to new depredation reports released by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the killings happened in 16 different incidents across northern California counties. Recently, within this time frame, 4 lambs were reported in a depredation report in Eastern Plumas County on private property, in the recently named Beyem Seyo pack area. The Whaleback pack in Siskiyou county has been noted to be especially predatory on cattle California Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) says it is “incredibly concerned” about the rise of livestock depredations following the growth and expansion of the state’s wolf population.
These recently released reports were posted as part of CDFW’s evaluation of the Wolf-Livestock Compensation Pilot Program.
To which as a result of the concluded numbers, the CDFW says they can now finalize review of existing program applications and the eligibility of livestock producers to receive payments for direct losses.
Last month, the department announced that the current 102 applications for the year were set to exhaust the pilot program funding, totaling $3 million from the Budget Act of 2021. Applications first began in February 2022.
California’s Wolf-Livestock Compensation Pilot Program is the first of its kind in the state, providing support to livestock producers in compensating for direct loss of livestock due to confirmed wolf depredation; supported non-lethal deterrence techniques such as the use of range riders, electrified fencing and flags, camera surveillance, motion lights, and guardian dogs; and compensated livestock producers for the impact of wolf presence on livestock.
Stakeholders are urging the state for future funding to continue the program.
