UC Rangelands

🐺 Wolves, Cattle, and California Rangelands: What New Research Reveals

As wolves continue to expand their range in California, new research from UC Davis is helping answer important questions about their interactions with livestock.

The team found that:
🔹 Cattle DNA was detected in 72% of wolf s**t samples collected from two northeastern California wolf packs, indicating cattle were a substantial part of wolf diets in these areas.

🔹 Cattle grazing in wolf-occupied landscapes had 58% higher hair cortisol concentrations, suggesting chronic physiological stress associated with wolf presence.

These studies provide new science to help inform livestock management, wildlife conservation, and policy decisions. Understanding both direct and indirect impacts is essential for developing practical strategies that support resilient ranching operations while meeting California’s conservation goals.

📖 Read more: https://www.ucdavis.edu/food/news/california-wolves-feed-heavily-cattle-study-finds

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Image description: A gray wolf caught on a game camera walking through a forested area in Northeastern California. (📸: Tina Saitone)

🔥 New interview spotlight: How can farmers and ranchers help fight wildfires?

UC Rangelands collaborator Dr. Natalia Pinzón shares practical insights in a new
Ag Alert interview on the important role agricultural producers can play in reducing wildfire risk across California.

From strategic grazing to fuel management and community preparedness, the interview highlights how working lands can be part of the solution to creating more fire-resilient landscapes.

At UC Rangelands, we’re fortunate to collaborate with researchers, extension specialists and advisors, ranchers, land managers, and many others who are advancing science-based approaches to wildfire resilience.

👀 Read the interview: On the Record: How Farmers Can Help Fight Wildfires

🔑 Key takeaway: Agriculture and rangeland stewardship are not just affected by wildfire—they are also essential tools for reducing risk and improving resilience across California’s landscapes.



https://www.agalert.com/california-ag-news/archives/june-17-2026/on-the-record-how-farmers-can-help-fight-wildfires/?fbclid=IwZnRzaASuyy1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEecp0uIx6u62fKUmqKvHB98_cyy8Iq4_WTsQkNhYNxHZ4-nKTR8La2LBbOfGw_aem_ABvYaHkW_xmNdqgqXMge3Q

Ag Alert UC Davis researcher Natalia Pinzón explains how farmers and ranchers reduce wildfire risk, protect operations and communities, and access tools to prepare before, during and after fires.

Our crew has been out collecting data for a new project this spring—and we love getting out to “touch grass.” 🌾🌾

Just remember... sometimes it touches back. Watch your step out there 🐍


Image description: Photo 1 - A coiled rattlesnake rests partially hidden in tall green grass, with its head raised; Photo 2 - UC Rangeland researcher, wearing snake chaps, stands on a hillside holding up a long snakeskin shed, with oak trees and a clear blue sky in the background.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic loss of Lincoln Sabini. Lincoln had recently started working with UC Rangelands as an undergraduate research assistant. An Agricultural Sustainability and Food Systems major, he was eager to engage in grazing systems research and had just enrolled in his very first sheep management lab at UC Davis.

Lincoln was a thoughtful, enthusiastic student and a genuinely kind person—the kind of student we are always grateful to welcome into this field. He was a bright, rising star lost far too soon.

Our thoughts are with Lincoln’s family, friends, classmates, and everyone whose lives he touched.

Read the tribute from Department of Plant Sciences, UC Davis at the link below.

Remembering Lincoln Sabini: “A Golden Spark” Lincoln Sabini was a second-year student in the UC Davis Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, and also took courses in the Department of Plant Sciences. Those who knew him recount some memories.