Gray wolves began to filter back into California in 2018 after being hunted to extinction a century ago.
Many people welcome their return, but North State ranchers are increasingly frustrated and concerned as they see increasing wolf attacks of their livestock.
“What we’re trying to do is use webpage reporting ... to help us verify if it is indeed a wolf.”- Jeremiah LaRue, Siskiyou County Sheriff
Nearly half of these attacks have occurred in Siskiyou County over the last four years. To get a better idea of wolf activity, Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue has initiated a new website where community members can report wolf sightings.
He said the information can help officials as they look for ways to manage the growing problem.
“What we’re trying to do is use webpage reporting so that way we can capture data, as well as possibly photographs, to help us verify if it is indeed a wolf,” LaRue said. “The more information we have the better that we can partner with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.”
Fish and wildlife biologists have fit a few wolves with tracking collars, and have a general idea of where different packs are located. But it’s difficult to know precisely where they are at a given time.
"By getting this information it just helps paint a bigger picture about the true wolf activity in the county."- Jeremiah LaRue, Siskiyou County Sheriff
LaRue hopes community reporting will help broaden the picture. He said balancing the protections given this endangered native species with the interests of area residents is complicated.
LaRue encourages residents to report any wolf activity they see no matter how minor.
“In the county we have a liaison that’s been working with state officials, with our ag department as well as fish and wildlife. By getting this information it just helps paint a bigger picture about the true wolf activity in the county,” he said.
There are around 70 wolves in the state and the packs are expanding in territory. While a recent UC Davis study has shown the impact to North State livestock and ranchers is significant, wolves attacking humans is extremely rare.
North State Public Radio (NSPR) recently took a deep dive into the state’s growing wolf population and how it’s affecting ranchers.
That story and other NSPR wolf coverage below.
