More confirmed wolf kills in Lassen County
Lassen County livestock have enjoyed a safe summer from wolves, but on Friday, Sept. 4, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife reports two confirmed wolf kills during the month of August.
The first confirmed wolf kill occurred on private land in Southern Lassen County.
A livestock producer discovered a carcass of an adult cow Aug. 17, and, according to the report, “bite marks with associated hemorrhage were observed on both front and both rear legs. Bite marks with hemorrhage were also observed between the cow’s right front shoulder and ear.
The locations of the bite marks and hemorrhage were typical of wolf attacks. Wolves frequent the
general area where the carcass was found. Wolf tracks were observed near the carcass, and wolves were heard howling nearby during the investigation. The carcass was found in an area frequented by the Lassen Pack and the carcass had premortem bites injuries at locations typically attacked by wolves.”
The second confirmed kill occurred Aug. 23 on private property in Southern Lassen County.
According to the report, on the morning of Aug. 23, a livestock producer observed three wolves (1 adult, two pups) in a pasture containing livestock. Upon closer examination he observed the wolves were at the carcass of an approximately 700-pound steer.
The investigators estimated the steer had died the previous night. Bite marks with associated hemorrhage were observed on both the steer’s rear legs and the right front leg. All muscle and hide on the left front leg had been consumed. The locations of the bite marks and hemorrhage were typical of wolf attacks. Satellite collar locations indicated a wolf was present at the carcass site at 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. Aug. 23. The carcass had premortem bite injuries at locations typically attacked by wolves, and at least one Lassen Pack wolf was present at the carcass near the time of its estimated death.
