The Wolf-Livestock Compensation Grant Program has three “prongs”, or potential grant opportunities, for eligible applicants: direct loss compensation, nonlethal deterrent methods support, and indirect loss compensation. This grant opportunity involves the first prong, direct loss compensation, in which producers can be compensated for direct livestock loss (death, injury) due to confirmed or probable wolf depredation. Wolf depredation is determined during an investigation and documented by CDFW on a Livestock Loss Determination form. Each reported depredation incident is unique and requires a case-by-case analysis of the evidence, context, and other factors that inform the determination process. CDFW strives to conduct investigations as soon as reasonably possible to preserve physical evidence and gather information from producers and potential eyewitnesses. Wolf depredation is “confirmed” when there is physical evidence that an animal was injured or killed by a wolf and “probable” when there is sufficient evidence to suggest wolf predation (e.g., evidence of predation and evidence that wolves were likely present at the time of injury or death), but not enough evidence to confirm it. Upon issuance of compensation for a direct loss, producers will be expected to consult with the Department to evaluate and implement a deterrent strategy that may be beneficial in reducing wolf-livestock conflict. The deterrent tools and/or actions implemented as part of this strategy may be eligible for compensation under the program’s second prong, if and when sufficient funds are available.
