California authorizes first wolf killings as cattle predation reaches crisis levels

California wildlife officials have taken the unprecedented step of killing four gray wolves from the Beyem Seyo pack in Sierra Valley, marking the first state-authorized wolf deaths since the species began returning to California. The decision came after the pack killed at least 88 cattle between January and October 2025—accounting for roughly half of all livestock deaths from wolves statewide.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) euthanized three adult wolves, including a breeding pair, and shot one juvenile male. Officers also discovered remains of two other juvenile wolves from the same pack, though the cause of their deaths remains under investigation. Officials said the pack had become “habituated to preying on cattle” instead of hunting their natural prey like elk and deer, creating an unsustainable conflict with local ranchers.

Before resorting to lethal measures, wildlife managers spent months implementing extensive nonlethal deterrent strategies. A specialized strike team deployed over 18,000 staff hours using drones, all-terrain vehicles, colorful “fladry” strips along fences, and maintaining round-the-clock human presence to discourage the wolves from approaching livestock. Despite these intensive hazing efforts, the pack continued killing cattle at one of the highest rates documented in any western state with wolf populations.

This controversial action highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing wolf recovery with ranching interests as California’s wolf population continues to expand. The incident represents a significant escalation in the state’s wolf management approach and underscores the complex tensions surrounding apex predator restoration in landscapes shared with agriculture.