Wolves’ New Diet Shocks Ranchers | Orange County News

Wolves are thriving in California—but at a steep cost to ranchers. New UC Davis research reveals cattle make up 72% of wolf diets, far outpacing their natural prey like mule deer. As wolf numbers surge in the northeast, ranchers face skyrocketing livestock losses, prompting state officials to euthanize four wolves for repeated cattle kills. Even the wolves’ mere presence is causing stress in herds, with elevated cortisol levels found in cattle hair samples—potentially hitting ranch profits long before any animal is lost. With wolves returning after a century’s absence, wildlife managers struggle to balance ecological restoration with economic survival, as compensation programs and non-lethal deterrents fall short of solving the growing tension. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/4cd6656d7fd54e10