Gray wolf (Canis lupus). Photo by Gary Kramer, USFWS.

February 13, 2024 - As part of its evaluation of the Wolf-Livestock Compensation Pilot Program, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) on Monday posted outstanding wolf depredation reports dating back to August 2023.

The depredation reports confirm 16 wolf depredations totaling a loss of 18 livestock. With this posting, CDFW can now finalize review of existing program applications and eligibility of livestock producers to receive payments for direct losses.

The Wolf-Livestock Compensation Pilot Program is the first of its kind in California and has thus far provided support to livestock producers in compensating for direct loss of livestock due to confirmed wolf depredation; supported non-lethal deterrence techniques such as the use of range riders, electrified fencing and flags (turbo fladry), camera surveillance, motion lights and guardian dogs; and compensated livestock producers for the impact of wolf presence on livestock.

CDFW received $3 million in funding from the Budget Act of 2021 and began receiving applications in February 2022. As of January 12, 2024, CDFW had received a total of 102 applications. At that time, CDFW notified the public that the applications received were projected to exhaust the current fund.

The efforts to implement the pilot program have been important to wolf conservation and supporting livestock producers in the state. Once the program is complete and evaluated, CDFW will make a summary public on its Gray Wolf webpage.
Source: CDFW