The Plumas County Sheriff’s Office reports that a wolf attacked a loose steer in the Four Corners area north of Chandler Road in Quincy. The sheriff’s office warns the public to take precautions and stay safe when recreating in the forest.
On Feb. 4, PCSO was notified of a possible wolf attack involving a steer in the Four Corners area. The steer had recently escaped its enclosure and the owners have been attempting to recover the animal with a catch pen and game cameras.
Early in the morning, the owner received notification that the camera system was activated by movement. The owner immediately viewed the live camera feed and saw the steer circling and bellowing, along with what appeared to be a wolf aggressively circling the steer.
The owner rushed to the area and upon his arrival saw what appeared to be a wolf running up the road north of the catch pen. The steer had injuries to the neck and chest consistent with an animal attack. The owner attempted to corral the steer; however, it fled into the woods.
Upon receiving this information, the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene, locating hair from the steer and blood droplets on the ground where the attack occurred. Additionally, large footprints consistent with those of a wolf were located in the immediate area. All items were photographed and collected for DNA analysis to hopefully determine which pack the wolf belongs to.
Members from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services responded to the call to assist. Upon completing their investigation, reviewing the video and examining the evidence, they confirmed that the animal that attacked the steer was a wolf.
PCSO points out that the Four Corners area is commonly used by hikers and mountain bikers and locals exercising their dogs. “We urge the community members who may frequent the Four Corners area to be aware of the presence of the wolf and other predators such as mountain lions and bears,” said PCSO. “In an effort to minimize wildlife conflict interaction, keep continual sight of your dogs and, when possible, do not hike alone. Wildlife conflict is rare, but it can and has occurred in our neighboring counties.”
