FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ongoing Wolf Depredations Creating Health and Human Safety Impacts in the Sierra Valley, California
Sierra Valley, California, Livestock producers in the Sierra Valley continue to experience livestock depredations and kills caused by wolves despite recent management actions taken by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), including the removal of adult members of the Beyem Seyo Pack. While these actions temporarily reduced depredations, wolf activity and livestock losses have resumed in the valley.
Today’s incident involved the killing of a pregnant ewe on the north side of the Sierra Valley in Plumas County.
The wolf attack occurred even though the livestock producer had implemented non-lethal deterrents, such as donkeys, and had closely monitored animals throughout the night. The carcass was located approximately 100 yards from a residence, reinforcing concerns that these incidents are occurring in close proximity to homes and families, not just in remote grazing areas.
The Sierra County Sheriff, Mike Fisher, and Plumas County Sheriff, Chad Hermann, are in agreement that ranchers are making sustained, good-faith efforts to follow recommended conflict-reduction measures, including increased monitoring, the use of livestock guardian animals, removal of wolf attractants, and prompt reporting of suspected wolf activity. Despite these efforts, livestock losses continue. This situation is no longer solely an agricultural or economic issue; it has become a health and human safety issue not only for the people of the Sierra Valley, but for communities across California attempting to coexist with wolves on the landscape.
Repeated depredations are placing ranchers under chronic stress due to ongoing economic uncertainty and constant vigilance over their livestock. Producers are spending nights range riding, checking herds, and responding to alarms or disturbances, often with little or no sleep. This prolonged sleep deprivation, combined with the emotional toll of repeatedly finding injured or killed animals, is contributing to significant mental anguish among affected families. Anxiety, exhaustion, and a sense of helplessness are becoming common experiences for producers who feel they have done everything asked of them, yet continue to suffer losses.
“These ongoing depredations are taking a serious toll on our ranching community,” said Sheriff Mike Fisher. “This is about more than livestock. It is about the mental and physical health of the people who are out there every night trying to protect their herds. Chronic stress, lack of sleep, and the emotional impact of repeated losses create real safety risks for the people who live and work in this valley.”
“We are deeply concerned by the continued loss of livestock in our county,” said Sheriff Chad Hermann. “The ranching community and local law enforcement have worked closely with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, yet the outcome remains the same, ongoing wolf attacks on livestock. We remain committed to finding a solution, but it is clear that more decisive management actions will be necessary to protect our ranching families and their livelihoods.”
Authorities will continue to coordinate with CDFW and federal wildlife partners to investigate depredations and evaluate additional management options. Community members are encouraged to promptly report wolf sightings or livestock losses so appropriate documentation and response can occur.
The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office and the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office remain committed to supporting local ranching families, our communities, and visitors, and to working with state and federal agencies to address the continued and ongoing health and human impacts of wolf depredations and activity in the Sierra County.
