Sierra Valley, Calif. — The Sierra Valley, a picturesque 500-square-mile region straddling Sierra and Plumas counties, is facing a dire situation as wolves continue to attack livestock. According to Sierra County Sheriff Mike Fisher, there have been 72 confirmed and probable animal attacks this year, with wolves following cattle into the valley and preying on them, including calves. He says there are 20 to 30 additional livestock kills that are likely from wolves.
Ranchers in the area are feeling the impact. Dwight Ceresola, a local rancher, said, “I’ve had the wolves come into my property and kill two head of sheep.” Paul Roen, a fifth-generation rancher, reported losing 37 cows, each valued at approximately $3,000. “It’s incomprehensible where we are today,” Roen said.
Rick Roberti of the California Cattlemen’s Association noted that all major ranchers have suffered. “The wolf’s been put in a very terrible position to try and survive in an area when there’s nothing to eat, so they have to eat livestock,” Roberti said. He added, “Our state knew that when they allowed them to come to our state. So we do hold them accountable for it.”
The gray wolf is a recovering endangered species protected under the California Endangered Species Acts and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Endangered Species Act.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the USDA’s Wildlife Services are attempting to mitigate the situation by using non-lethal methods, such as drones, to haze the wolves away from livestock. However, the wolves cannot be shot due to federal and state protections. CDFW said trapping and relocating wildlife is not effective. CDFW acknowledged “a significant level of livestock depredation in the state” and is working with its Summer Strike Team to reduce conflicts. The team will be in the Sierra Valley until the end of September…