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Between January and March of this year, 26 instances of livestock depredation were being investigated with wolves confirmed as the culprit in 16 of them, according to state data.

Eventually, officials with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife were called and told Miller she could sign a “depredation permit,” after which authorities could kill bears trying to get into her house.

When they found a dead or dying cow with telltale signs of wolf “depredation,” ranchers could alert the state and a representative would come out to investigate.

Owners of pets or livestock that are threatened or killed by cougars can get a depredation permit to destroy the predator.

A state depredation permit was issued and a bear was trapped on the property and euthanized, according to Fisher.