Letters to the Editor: California’s wolves present a complicated problem for ranchers and plenty of opinions

To the editor : The call by California ranchers to kill endangered wolves in response to livestock losses is concerning and counterproductive ( “Killing wolves remains a crime in California. But a rebellion is brewing,” May 30). Lethal measures undermine years of conservation progress made for a species still in recovery.

Wolves play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. The resurgence of wolves in California signifies a positive step toward ecological balance after their near eradication.

Protections under the California Endangered Species Act are in place to ensure the species’ continued recovery and to promote coexistence strategies. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Wolf-Livestock Compensation Program, which not only compensates for direct losses but a