California Wolf-Livestock Compensation Pilot Program
Information
Purpose:
In 2021, the California state legislature appropriated $3 million in funding to the Department of Fish and Wildlife (Department) to “develop a grant process to allocate funds to pay for the deterrence of wolf presence near livestock, the impacts of wolf presence on livestock, and for verified loss of livestock for participating ranchers.”
Description:
In 2021, the California state legislature appropriated $3 million in funding to the Department to develop a Wolf-Livestock Compensation Pilot Program to help minimize the impact of gray wolves on livestock producers. The pilot program offers compensation to eligible livestock producers specific to the following primary areas of need (prongs):
Prong 1. Direct Loss – Compensation for verified livestock losses (confirmed/probable wolf) incurred on or after September 23, 2021.
Prong 2. Nonlethal Deterrents – Compensation for the use of nonlethal deterrence methods to deter wolf presence near livestock. The Department supports the use of various deterrent tools and techniques as part of a robust, integrated deterrence strategy. Technical assistance may be available through CDFW, County Agricultural Commissions, UC Cooperative Extension, USDA Wildlife Service, and other agency partners.
Prong 3. Pay for Presence – Compensation for indirect losses associated with the impacts of wolf presence on livestock in known pack territory. Extenuating circumstances may exist whereby CDFW will consider eligibility for wolf presence outside of known pack territory on a case-by-case basis.