Wolf Depredation of Pregnant Ewe Renews Concerns in Sierra Valley

SIERRA VALLEY — A pregnant ewe was killed by a wolf on Saturday, January 24, in the Sierra Valley north of Beckwourth in Plumas County. The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office says the attack occurred despite the livestock producer’s use of non-lethal deterrents, including livestock guardian donkeys and close nighttime monitoring of the herd.

Additionally, the carcass was discovered approximately 100 yards from a residence. The Sheriff’s Office noted that the close proximity to homes raises questions about wolves’ boldness in the area and underscores potential risks to nearby communities.

This incident follows the lethal removal by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) of members of the Beyem Seyo pack. That pack had been linked to nearly 100 livestock depredations in the Sierra Valley. The removal, which led to the pack no longer being active, temporarily reduced attacks, yet wolf activity and livestock losses have since resumed in the valley.

Sheriff Mike Fisher of Sierra County reported multiple documented wolf sightings throughout the valley in the same areas previously occupied by the Beyem Seyo pack. At least three wolves have appeared in photographs and videos he reviewed, with local accounts suggesting as many as nine may now be present. The pack responsible for Saturday’s depredation remains unidentified pending DNA testing, with samples collected by both the Sheriff’s Office and CDFW. CDFW is aware of at least two packs, the Grizzly and Diamond, known to be active in the broader region.

Ranchers in the area continue to implement recommended non-lethal measures, such as increased monitoring, guardian animals, and removal of attractants. The Sheriff says that despite their efforts, repeated losses persist, affecting not only economic livelihoods but also the mental and physical well-being of producers and their families.

“These ongoing depredations are taking a serious toll on our ranching community,” said Sheriff Fisher. “This is about more than livestock. It is about the mental and physical health of the people who are out there every night trying to protect their herds. Chronic stress, lack of sleep, and the emotional impact of repeated losses create real safety risks for the people who live and work in this valley.”

Plumas County Sheriff Chad Hermann echoed those concerns, saying, “We are deeply concerned by the continued loss of livestock in our county. The ranching community and local law enforcement have worked closely with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, yet the outcome remains the same, ongoing wolf attacks on livestock. We remain committed to finding a solution, but it is clear that more decisive management actions will be necessary to protect our ranching families and their livelihoods.”

Authorities from both counties plan to continue coordinating with CDFW and federal partners to investigate incidents and explore additional management options. Residents are urged to report wolf sightings or suspected depredations promptly to aid documentation and response efforts. The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office and Plumas County Sheriff’s Office reiterated their commitment to supporting local ranchers, communities, and visitors while addressing the ongoing impacts of wolf activity in Sierra Valley.