Ranchers, researchers, and community members gathered in Butte County on April 7 to discuss the growing impact of gray wolves on California’s livestock industry. The event, titled “Ranching with Wolves: Dinner, Documentary and Discussion,” brought together over 100 attendees for a screening of the PBS documentary “American Grown: My Job Depends on Ag – Sierra Valley Wolves” and a panel discussion featuring local ranchers, law enforcement officials, and university specialists.
The topic is significant as wolf populations have expanded across northeastern California since their reintroduction in Idaho and Yellowstone three decades ago. According to the most recent report from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in December 2025, there are now nine active wolf packs in the state. While some view this as a conservation success story, others say it has led to increased challenges for ranchers.
Wade Crowfoot, California’s Natural Resources Secretary, said during an Assembly Committee hearing that “this is a full-blown crisis in many of our rural communities.” Kyle Daley, president of the Butte County Cattlemen’s Association, said: “As wolves continue to expand across the state, the impacts on ranching operations are increasing. We proudly sponsored this event to create a space to share firsthand accounts of the economic impacts to public safety to boots-on-the-ground realities on ranching with wolves.”
Panelists including Paul Roen—Sierra Valley Ranch manager—and Sierra County Sheriff Mike Fisher described both economic losses from cattle deaths and broader community stress caused by wolf predation. Roen said: “It is essential that we continue communicating how wolves are affecting ranchers — economically, mentally and through the injustice of limited restitution. We have insufficient tools to protect livestock and prevent wolves from becoming habituated to cattle.” He added that last summer he worked long hours with wildlife officials trying unsuccessfully to stop wolf attacks.
Tina Saitone, professor at University of California Davis Cooperative Extension, shared research showing indirect losses such as reduced weight gain and lower conception rates among cattle exposed to wolves. Saitone said: “Ranchers in California are bearing a very real and substantial economic burden as wolf populations expand across the state… Without that data [on indirect effects], it is impossible to design policies that accurately reflect the true cost.”
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) played a key role through its Cooperative Extension services at this event. UC ANR secures funding through public contributions according to its official website. It promotes sustainable practices for resilient ecosystems according to its official website while managing nine research centers representing diverse ecosystems according to its official website. UC ANR also conducts more than 33,000 educational events annually with over 18,000 volunteers according to its official website, linking research directly with community needs according to its official website throughout all counties in California.
Co-host Kasey DeAtley expressed appreciation for those involved in organizing an experience she called invaluable for students preparing for careers related to agriculture or natural resources management. She said: “I am grateful for the chance students, policymakers and producers had … while also fostering meaningful connections within the field.”
Broader implications include ongoing debates about balancing wildlife conservation goals with agricultural livelihoods—a challenge likely requiring continued dialogue between stakeholders as wolf populations grow.
