State Fish and Wildlife officials have killed four wolves in the Sierra Valley after the failure of non-lethal efforts to deter the killing of livestock. The department says that between March and September the wolves had killed 70 livestock, and may have killed another 17 since then, accounting for 63% of all the confirmed livestock kills by wolves statewide. Officials will try to capture remaining juveniles in the pack and relocate them to wildlife facilities so they don’t form their own packs and teach another generation to kill domestic cattle. Several Northstate counties have appealed to the state to do something about wolves. Since late last year, ranchers in Eastern Shasta County have reported wolf attacks that have resulted in the deaths of cattle and other livestock. The state has a program that reimburses ranchers for cattle lost to wolves. The Gray Wolf is protected by both Federal and California Endangered Species Laws. The first wolf known to cross the state line in 87 years wandered south from Oregon in search of a mate in 2009. State Senator Megan Dahle released a statement applauding the killing of the Sierra Pack.
-Steve Gibson