California wildlife officials kill 4 wolves after record livestock attacks in Sierra Valley

Wildlife managers have euthanized four gray wolves in California after an unprecedented number of livestock attacks in recent months, officials say.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced the action Friday, revealing that the wolves removed were from the Beyem Seyo pack in the Sierra Valley that managers have been tracking.

Officials say the action comes after months of attacks on livestock, including 70 recorded losses attributed to wolves from March to September.

Another 17 losses were deemed either confirmed or probable from wolf attacks by wildlife managers from September to October.

Non-lethal deterrents – like drones, bean bags, and ATVs – have been attempted, but wildlife managers say wolves have continued to hunt cattle.

"This decision was not made lightly