Wolves in California: Livestock Losses Remain Low, But Fears Grow
As wolves return to their native Californian landscape, livestock losses remain relatively low. Despite this, ranchers' fears are increasing.
In May 2025, five counties in northern California declared a state of emergency due to the presence of wolves. The wolves had killed livestock, and some residents reported "bold, abnormal behavior" and wolves "coming too close to homes."
Between October and December 2024, wolves killed 19 cattle in an area with over 300,000 cows. However, it's worth noting that gray wolves (Canis lupus) originally roamed California for thousands of years before being eradicated in the 1920s.
They’d killed livestock, and according to some residents, were exhibiting “bold, abnormal behavior” and “coming too close to homes.”
The wolves are simply returning to what was once their native habitat.
Author's summary: Wolves return to California, causing concerns among ranchers.