NORTHSTATE, Calif. — The 2025 state budget has been signed, with some funds aiming to address concerns in rural communities.
Under the 2025 State Budget, $2 million will be available for the Wolf-Livestock Compensation Program.
A UC Davis study released in April 2025 showed that one wolf can lead to anywhere from $69,000 to $162,000 in direct and indirect losses.
In addition, the office of Assemblymember Heather Hadwick said records for wolf depredation could be broken this month.
Hadwick told KRCR wolves are one of their biggest issues in District 1.
“They are just decimating our cattle population in the north,” Hadwick said. “It’s been almost daily that there’s been kills.”
She added, “The stress that it causes on animals is very taxing.”
California Farm Bureau Director of Policy Advocacy Steven Fenaroli told the Northstate’s News there are growing wolf populations in California, which comes with more conflict and loss.
“It’s a benefit for everybody who fall under the program. We’ve seen a lot in that Sierra Valley area that have experienced a lot of impact or conflict over the last couple weeks,” Fenaroli said before adding, “This problem is only going to grow as we continue to have more wolves in the state. There’s only going to be more of a need for funding to keep the Wolf-Livestock Compensation Program going.”
Fenaroli said the next stage of the program is limiting loss and protecting farmers and ranchers while continuing to ensure the survival of the wolf species.
Hardwick added that she feels $2 million dollars is not enough, saying it will run out quickly. She encourages everyone to report losses to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to make sure the data on this is accurate.
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