Working for coexistence

Wolves in California are protected under state and federal law. Local communities should prepare now for a non-lethal approach to conflict reduction.

This project's two primary objectives were to: ​
  1. Map wolf-livestock conflict hotspots in California, through analyses of predicted gray wolf habitat and current livestock grazing land, and
  2. Recommend non-lethal conflict reduction strategies to implement near active range lands and livestock operations in Northern California.

1st objective: we mapped the state's wolf habitat (top right) through statistical analysis of the environmental variables associated with its landscape. We then compared this to a map of livestock grazing in order to identify "conflict hotspot" zones (bottom right). Those hotspots are where we should implement practices to reduce wolf-livestock conflicts.

2nd objective: we surveyed 124 livestock producers in the state's 7 northernmost counties (Shasta, Lassen, Modoc, Siskiyou, Del Norte, Humboldt and Trinity counties). Survey responses indicated which conflict reduction practices are able to be implemented on those producers' lands. Combined, they reported that attractant removal and range riding are the most locally feasible practices. 

We are sharing our results with stakeholders around the state and hope this information helps them adopt successful, cost-effective solutions to the problem.

See our Project Documents for more detailed information about our results. 

Conflict Prevention Strategies

Though wolves mostly hunt elk and deer, they occasionally kill privately-owned cattle, sheep, or other livestock. Thankfully there are cost-effective ways to reduce the likelihood of wolf attacks on livestock, including:
  • Removal from the land of wolf attractants (e.g., carcasses and bone piles)
  • Cooperative range riding
  • Livestock guard dogs
  • Alarm or scare devices
  • Electric fences
  • Adjustments to livestock management or husbandry practices
  • Fladry (red ribbon flags on fences)
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Wildlife biologists with a sedated wolf. Source: ODFW
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Range rider. Photo: Diana Hunter
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Attractants like carcasses & bone piles should be removed. Source: Steve Jurvetson

Defenders of Wildlife

Defenders of Wildlife has worked with the nation's ranching community to prevent conflicts with wolves in the U.S. for over three decades. They have partnered with Bren students on this project to help California proactively prepare for the possibility that wolves will return to the state. For more information on their programs, see the organization's website.
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