Predator Conflicts in Northern California: Wolves and Mountain Lions Threatening Livestock

As of December 10, 2025, rural communities in Northern California, particularly around areas like Burney in Shasta County, are grappling with escalating conflicts between protected predators and local agriculture. The reintroduction and natural expansion of gray wolves, combined with a stable but increasingly bold mountain lion population, have led to significant livestock losses. Ranchers report not only direct kills but also indirect impacts such as stressed herds resulting in lower weights and reproduction rates. This article explores the issues, affected areas, protective measures, and available statistics, drawing from reports by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and local news sources.

The Return of Gray Wolves: Expansion and Impacts

Gray wolves have been making a comeback in California since their natural migration from other states began in the 2010s, with populations expanding into Northern California counties. In Shasta County, home to Burney, the wolf population's growth has sparked alarm. In May 2025, the Shasta County Board of Supervisors declared a local state of emergency due to multiple confirmed attacks on cattle and other livestock since late 2024. These incidents, primarily in eastern parts of the county, include at least two cattle killed and one injured in early 2025, though unconfirmed cases suggest higher numbers. A new wolf pack was identified in Shasta County in the first quarter of 2025, contributing to the state's total of at least ten known packs.

Neighboring counties like Modoc, Plumas, Sierra, and Siskiyou face similar challenges, with wolves developing a preference for beef and causing mounting losses. For instance, in Sierra County, repeated depredations led to the euthanization of an entire pack in October 2025 after over 70 livestock losses. Wolves are showing reduced fear of humans, approaching homes and populated areas, which heightens tensions between conservation efforts and agricultural needs.

Pup from the Shasta County Pack - Photo Courtesy of California Dept of Fish & Wildlife

Gray Wolf spotted in Northern Calif. Photo courtesy of Calif. Dept. of Fish & Wildlife

Protective Measures for Ranchers Against Wolves

Under both federal and state endangered species laws, gray wolves are fully protected, prohibiting ranchers from using lethal force except in immediate threats to human life. Instead, CDFW promotes non-lethal deterrents, including proper carcass management, fladry (bright flagging on fences), fox lights, electrified fencing, range riders, and guard animals like dogs or donkeys. In Phase 2 of California's Gray Wolf Conservation Plan (activated in April 2025), permits for aggressive non-injurious hazing—such as rubber bullets or pursuing wolves with vehicles—may be issued after less invasive methods fail.

CDFW's Wolf-Livestock Compensation Program reimburses confirmed direct losses, though funding is capped at $600,000 annually and doesn't cover indirect costs. Pilot programs, like 24/7 deterrence teams in Sierra Valley since June 2025, provide on-the-ground support. Ranchers can also use CDFW's GPS tracking maps for collared wolves to avoid conflicts.

For visual insights into these conflicts, watch this video on CDFW's response to wolf attacks: CDFW kills 4 gray wolves amid livestock attacks. Another report details ranchers' concerns: Why Are California Ranchers So Worried About Wolves Now?.

Mountain Lion Conflicts: Widespread Depredation in the Foothills

Mountain lions, or cougars, present a parallel but more widespread issue in Northern California, with attacks on sheep, goats, cattle, and pets spiking in 2024-2025. Factors include habitat overlap with human development, fluctuating deer populations, and habituation to humans. El Dorado County has reported the highest incidents, with over 200 domestic animal kills in 2024 and around 50 reports from January to April 2025 alone. Areas like Georgetown and Foresthill are hotspots.

Other affected counties include Placer (frequent sheep attacks, leading some ranchers to sell herds), Sierra, Nevada, Amador, Calaveras, Yuba (e.g., four goats killed in Camptonville in May 2025), Butte, Plumas, Napa, and Humboldt. A 2025 study in high-risk zones tests non-lethal deterrents like fladry and motion-activated devices.

California Mountain Lion w/ Kill - Photo by Calif. Dept. of Fish & Wildlife

Rancher Responses to Mountain Lions

Like wolves, mountain lions are protected under state law, limiting lethal options to CDFW-issued depredation permits for confirmed cases. Non-lethal strategies mirror those for wolves: fencing, guard animals, and scaring techniques. In Lake County, for example, a mountain lion killed 15 alpacas in August 2025, highlighting the need for proactive measures.

View this video for a look at community responses: Placer County community on edge after mountain lion attacks livestock.

Geographic Overview and Statistics

The problems span the Sierra Nevada foothills and coastal regions. Here's a map highlighting affected counties for wolves:

ESRI Map courtesy of Calif. Dept. of Fish & Wildlife

Wolves' continued spread in California brings joy to conservationists but headaches to farmers and ranchers.

Below is a compiled table of 2025 depredation statistics based on available CDFW and local reports. Note that data may be incomplete, as full annual figures are pending, and numbers reflect confirmed or probable incidents.

County	Wolf Depredation Incidents (2025)	Wolf Livestock Losses (Killed/Injured)	Mountain Lion Depredation Incidents (2025)	Mountain Lion Livestock Losses (Killed/Injured)
Shasta	At least 1 (early 2025)	2 cattle killed, 1 injured	Unknown	Unknown
Plumas	3 confirmed (March 2025)	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown
Modoc	1 probable (2025)	1 sheep (probable)	Unknown	Unknown
Siskiyou	1 (May 2025)	2 calves killed	Unknown	Unknown
Sierra	Multiple (leading to euthanization in Oct 2025)	70+ livestock losses	Unknown	Unknown
El Dorado	Unknown	Unknown	~50 reports (Jan-Apr 2025); dozens more through year	Over 200 domestic animals in 2024, continuing trend
Yuba	Unknown	Unknown	1 (May 2025)	4 goats killed
Lake	Unknown	Unknown	1 (Aug 2025)	15 alpacas killed
Other counties (e.g., Butte, Napa, Humboldt)	Unknown or no reported specifics	Unknown	Reported issues but no specific numbers for 2025	Unknown

Balancing Conservation and Agriculture

These conflicts underscore the tension between wildlife recovery and rural livelihoods. Environmental groups advocate for coexistence through non-lethal tools, while ranchers seek more aggressive management. CDFW continues monitoring and provides limited support, but local declarations like Shasta County's aim to pressure for change. For updates, visit CDFW's Gray Wolf page or Mountain Lion resources. Ranchers are encouraged to contact CDFW for tailored advice.