On February 4, 2026, the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a wolf attack involving a loose steer near the “Four Corners” area north of Chandler Road in Quincy, California.
According to the sheriff’s office, the steer had escaped its enclosure prior to the incident. The owners were attempting to recover it using a catch pen and game cameras. Early that morning, the camera system detected movement. The owner checked the live feed and saw the steer circling and bellowing while what appeared to be a wolf aggressively circled it. The owner went to the scene and saw a wolf running away from the area. The steer was found with injuries to its neck and chest that were consistent with an attack.
The owner tried but was unable to corral the injured animal before it fled into nearby woods.
Sheriff’s deputies who arrived at the scene found hair from the steer, blood droplets on the ground where the attack took place, and large footprints matching those of a wolf. These items were photographed and collected for DNA analysis in hopes of identifying which pack may have been involved.
Members of USDA Wildlife Services also responded. After reviewing video footage and examining evidence, they confirmed that a wolf attacked the steer.
The sheriff’s office noted that “The ‘Four Corners’ area is commonly used by hikers and mountain bikers and locals exercising their dogs. We urge 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.” The statement continued: “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 if can and has occurred in our neighboring counties.”
For more information about this incident or general safety guidance regarding wildlife encounters in Plumas County, contact Deputy Sheriff/Public Information Officer Chandler Peay at chandlerpeay@countyofplumas.com.
