North state ranchers, sheriffs have had enough of the ‘big bad wolf’

On March 20 Lassen County Sheriff John McGarva attended a meeting at the Dixie Valley Ranch which included local area ranchers, Modoc County Sheriff Tex Dowdy, Sierra County Sheriff Mike Fisher, Lassen County District 4 Supervisor Aaron Albaugh, representatives from California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Senator Megan Dahle’s Office and Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick’s office, according to a statement from McGarva.

The discussion surrounded the increasing threat of the gray wolf to Lassen County ranchers as cattle losses were being felt across the county. The focus of this meeting was on the Harvey Pack.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife discussed the use of hazing and mitigation measures at the meeting.

There is a growing concern about their limited effectiveness in the community.

The wolves are displaying behavior that is atypical. They are coming around residences, not fazed by the deterrent measures taken and are overall unconcerned or threatened by human presence. The concern had become a threat to the safety of those that live in the area due to the impact of the wolves living in the area.

LaMalfa and Hadwick spoke about actions being taken at the federal and state levels while each sheriff spoke about what they were doing in their counties.

All are committed to finding a solution to the growing public safety threat caused by the wolf population.

On March 24, McGarva sent a letter to Director Bonham at the Department of Fish and Wildlife regarding the public safety threat the wolves are demonstrating in Lassen County asking for his assistance in coming to a solution that will benefit all parties involved.

For those who are interested, letters can be sent to the following address:

Charlton “Chuck” Bonham, Director
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
715 P Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

Here’s McGarva’s letter