The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) reported that the Whaleback Pack in Siskiyou County has been responsible for several depredations over the last few weeks.
In 2022, the pack was responsible for 20 depredation events, with many more suspected kills reported to CDFW.
In 2023, CDFW conducted nine investigations of suspected depredations and found the pack attacked six cattle across five incidents. On Jan. 4, a 550-lb. calf carcass was discovered 11 miles outside the pack area, but wolf involvement was confirmed from wolf tracks and DNA evidence. CDFW found another calf carcass on the same ranch the following day and confirmed it as a wolf kill. On Jan. 6, the same ranch had another 550-lb. calf killed and one injured. The same day, three calves injured with marks consistent with wolf depredations and one killed were discovered on separate ranches.
Livestock producers who have lost animals to confirmed or probable wolf predation, as verified by CDFW, can apply for compensation under the Livestock Loss Compensation Program at fair market value for losses incurred.
