Wolves in Modoc County continue their southward movement, with recent weekend activity reported in Surprise Valley where ranchers suspect multiple livestock kills. Tracking data shows wolves entering the southern part of the county, moving from Jess Valley through the South Warners and south of Cedarville toward the lakebed.
As calving season approaches, local producers express growing concern over wolf presence near their herds. While investigations are ongoing, carcasses found on several ranches suggest wolf involvement.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) advises residents to anticipate increased wolf movement during winter as wolves follow elk, deer, and cattle to lower elevations. Winter pack behavior involves hunting as a full unit over larger territories, unlike the smaller group hunting seen in summer and early fall.
CDFW encourages ongoing reporting of sightings, especially outside established wolf activity areas, to enhance monitoring and conflict management. They emphasize preventive measures such as electrified fladry fencing, noise and light deterrents, guardian dogs, drones, removing carcasses, herding livestock at night, and managing vulnerable animals.
Wolves remain federally and state-listed as endangered species in California. Lethal removal by the public is only permitted in imminent defense of human life. Non-injurious hazing is allowed, with current legal guidelines available on the CDFW wolf webpage.
The Harvey pack has expanded its range significantly over the past year, recently entering southeastern Modoc County, with a newly confirmed wolf activity area in southwestern Modoc. Continued wolf presence is expected.
The state’s public wolf-tracking map updates every two hours with collar data, though not all wolves are collared and location data uploads occur roughly once per day. CDFW monitors data closely and contacts producers if potential conflicts arise.
With winter feeding underway and livestock losses reported, ranchers in northeastern California anticipate ongoing challenges with wolf activity in the weeks ahead. Investigations into recent incidents in Surprise Valley remain in progress.
