(NewsNation) — Wolves are growing in population in California and feasting on an unnatural diet of livestock.
According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 26 livestock have been killed or injured, or there is probable reason to believe they were, by wolves in 2026. In 2025, the state euthanized four wolves traced to nearly 70 livestock deaths.
Restoration ecologist Dr. Robbie Kroger joined NewsNation to discuss the surge of wolves in northern California after moving into the state from Oregon.
“California is really the microcosm of the broader wolf issue that we’re facing here in the United States. California’s wolf population is growing. As you said, they weren’t reintroduced there. They’re naturally coming in,” Kroger told “Katie Pavlich Tonight” on Tuesday.
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“Unfortunately, there is no tool in the toolbox in California for management to occur with the ranching community because wolves still exist on the endangered species list in California,” he added.
Kroger believes the issue needs to be delegated to the game and fish agencies at the state level to ensure there is decreased conflict between wolves, livestock and farmers.
“They’re gonna do the work, they’re gonna follow policy, they’re gonna follow regulations, but they’re gonna give the tools that these farmers and ranchers need to exist in the landscape with wolves,” he said.
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