Plumas County cattle ranchers are expressing growing concerns about the impact of wolves on their livestock, particularly since the identification of the Lassen Pack in 2017. Seeking an emergency declaration, ranchers argue that wolves pose a “significant threat” to public safety. A resolution set to be discussed by the Plumas County Board of Supervisors on April 15 aims to empower the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office to investigate wolf incidents, designate specific wolves as public safety threats, and authorize their removal if necessary. This means sheriff’s deputies could have the authority to shoot and kill wolves under defined circumstances.
Plumas County Supervisor Dwight Ceresola, a rancher himself, has voiced the need for ranchers to be equipped with better tools to protect their livestock, stating that current measures are inadequate. He criticized the limitations that prevent ranchers from effectively managing wolf threats beyond their property lines.
The resolution comes amid a broader acknowledgment from state officials regarding the increasing number of wolves in the region. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) recently initiated “Phase 2” of its 2016 Conservation Plan for Gray Wolves, which involves reviewing the status of wolves statewide and exploring legal options for more assertive deterrence methods. Currently, ranchers can use non-lethal techniques such as flashing lights and sirens to deter wolves.
Phase 2 activation is based on the documentation of four breeding pairs for two consecutive years, and CDFW has confirmed that five of the state’s seven packs qualify as breeding pairs in 2024. Ceresola has described the CDFW’s efforts as insufficient and overdue, urging for a stronger response to the challenges posed by the state’s wolf management program.
The proposed resolution highlights that there have been 14 confirmed cattle deaths in Plumas County due to wolf attacks, with three of those occurring in March, marking a record high for any month since tracking began. However, the resolution does not specify the locations of these incidents or the ages of the affected cattle.
If the resolution passes, it would not advocate for widespread lethal control but rather aim to provide rural communities with appropriate tools to address legitimate threats lawfully. Similar resolutions have already been adopted in Modoc and Sierra counties, where wolf-related livestock deaths are being investigated.
