parks
These wolves returned to California, but their eating habits have sparked alarm
By Clara Harter at Los Angeles Times - California
· July 9, 2026
· 1 min read
A study on gray wolves' dietary preferences shows that the population regrowth is connected to the fact that wolves are feasting on cattle, while natural prey resources remain comparatively scarce. Researchers found cattle in 72% of scat samples collected.
Key takeaway Researchers found cattle in 72% of scat samples collected.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The discovery that gray wolves in California are relying heavily on cattle as a food source has significant implications for local ranchers and the broader agricultural community in Los Angeles County. With wolves consuming more cattle than wild prey, the economic impact on livestock owners could be substantial. This trend may lead to increased tensions between wolf conservation efforts and the interests of ranchers, who may push for greater protections for their cattle or more aggressive management of wolf populations. As the wolf population continues to grow, Los Angeles County officials will need to navigate these competing interests and work towards finding a balance between conservation and agricultural concerns. The study's findings also raise questions about the long-term sustainability of wolf recovery in the region, given the reliance on non-native prey sources.
About this story
Original reporting by Los Angeles Times - California . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: parks ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: Los Angeles Times - California ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A study on gray wolves' dietary preferences shows that the population regrowth is connected to the fact that wolves are feasting on cattle, while natural prey resources remain comparatively scarce. Researchers found cattle in 72% of scat samples collected.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by Los Angeles Times - California and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Clara Harter at Los Angeles Times - California. To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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