New Research Highlights Growing Impacts of Wolves on Livestock
Published Friday, July 10, 2026
Two recently published studies provide additional scientific evidence of the impacts wolves are having on California's livestock industry. Research conducted by Tina Saitone, Ken Tate and Benjamin Sacks found that cattle were the most common food source identified in gray wolf scat collected from the Lassen and Harvey pack territories during 2022 and 2023, appearing in 72% of samples analyzed—more frequently than mule deer, the wolves' primary wild prey.
A separate study published in Ecology and Evolution found that cattle grazing in areas occupied by wolves had cortisol levels 58% higher than cattle in herds without wolf exposure, indicating significantly greater chronic stress. The findings suggest wolf presence can affect livestock beyond direct predation, with potential impacts on cattle health, productivity and reproduction.
Together, these studies reinforce the need for continued management tools and adequate support for ranchers as California's wolf population expands.
Staff Contact: Steven Fenaroli, sfenaroli@cfbf.com
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