The 2025 California state budget has been signed, including $2 million in funding for the Wolf-Livestock Compensation Program. The funds are allocated through AB 102 and will be administered under the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Biodiversity Conservation Program to help ranchers affected by gray wolf depredation.
Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick commented on the significance of this allocation: “This is a big deal for California ranchers, especially those in the North State who have experienced repeated livestock losses due to growing wolf activity,” said Assemblywoman Hadwick. “Initially, the budget included nothing—zero dollars—for the wolf crisis we are facing. But we knew that wasn’t acceptable, not when livelihoods and lives are on the line. We fought for this because our ranchers deserve real support in protecting their livelihoods.”
The funding comes as confirmed cases of wolf depredation continue to rise. Preliminary data for July indicate that incidents may reach record levels. In 2024, there were at least 60 confirmed kills across California, nearly three times more than in 2023. Ranchers have reported entire herds impacted by direct attacks as well as secondary effects such as weight loss, pregnancy loss, and stress-related issues. Research from UC Davis estimates that each wolf can cause between $69,000 and $162,000 in direct and indirect losses annually per affected operation. Statewide losses are estimated between $1.4 million and $3.4 million each year.
There is concern among officials that actual losses may be higher than reported figures suggest due to underreporting by ranchers who may face time constraints or lack familiarity with reporting procedures. Assemblywoman Hadwick urged ranchers to document all incidents: “We know, based on firsthand conversations, that more kills are happening than what’s being reported,” said Hadwick. “I understand that no one wants to deal with government red tape, but right now we need your help. Accurate data is the key to unlocking more funding, more resources, and real solutions to finally address this crisis.”
Hadwick expressed gratitude toward legislative budget committees and various officials for their roles in securing the funding: “This win shows what’s possible when rural voices unite and fight for what’s fair,” Hadwick said. “But let me be clear—we are reaching a tipping point. If Sacramento doesn’t act soon to expand support for rural producers, we risk losing not just livestock, but entire generational ranching operations.”
Assemblywoman Hadwick represents California’s 1st Assembly District which covers portions of El Dorado and Placer counties as well as Alpine, Amador, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, and Siskiyou counties.
