Modoc County is taking action in response to the increasing threat posed by gray wolves, which have been linked to multiple livestock deaths since late December. Sheriff Tex Dowdy has formally requested that the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) take immediate measures to protect local ranchers and residents. The incidents have not only resulted in cattle and sheep losses but have also raised concerns about wolf behavior, as some livestock were killed and left uneaten.
The proximity of these attacks to homes and ranches has heightened fears of potential human-wolf encounters. Dowdy’s letter emphasizes the lack of legal authority for local law enforcement to manage wolves posing immediate threats, comparing it to existing provisions for mountain lions under similar circumstances.
This appeal is a step toward possibly declaring a state of emergency in Modoc County, which could unlock additional resources and legal options. Local officials and ranchers are increasingly worried about the financial, emotional, and safety implications of continued wolf activity. They are now awaiting a response from the CDFW and are considering further legal and policy strategies to safeguard their communities.
