Shasta County Declares A State Of Emergency Over Increasing Wolf Populations

It appears that wolves are here to stay in California. In Shasta County, one of the centers of the state’s lupine cosmos, local officials are concerned that the increasing population is a threat to livestock and even local residents. Here’s more from Redding TV station KRCR:

Shasta County has declared a local state of emergency due to what they said was an increasing threat posed by gray wolves. The decision, made by the Shasta County Board of Supervisors on May 13, 2025, comes in response to confirmed livestock attacks and growing concerns from rural residents, said Public Information Officer David Maung.

Maung said the resolution, sponsored by District 3 Supervisor Corkey Harmon, aligns with similar emergency declarations by neighboring counties such as Modoc and Lassen. In addition to the declaration, the Board approved a formal letter to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), requesting urgent assistance in protecting public safety, livestock, and private property from the expanding wolf populations.

“This is not just a ranching issue — it’s a public safety issue,” said Supervisor Harmon. “These wolves are showing no fear of people and are attacking livestock near family homes. We need better tools and immediate action to keep our rural communities safe.”