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Record number of wolf attacks are happening in Calif., but not much can be done to stop them
By Helen Jeong at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· July 5, 2026
· 3 min read
With an unprecedented number of wolf attacks on California’s livestock in recent years, the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife is distributing $1.1 million to ranchers who lost their farm animals
Yes, wolves are back in California.
More than a century ago, wolf populations were extirpa...
Key takeaway But in 2011, a collared gray wolf became the first confirmed wild wolf to return to California after it crossed the state line from Oregon.
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Category: local ·
Published: July 5, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? With an unprecedented number of wolf attacks on California’s livestock in recent years, the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife is distributing $1.1 million to ranchers who lost their farm animals
Yes, wolves are back in California.
More than a century ago, wolf populations were extirpa...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 5, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Helen Jeong at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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