(FOX40.COM) -- Following an unprecedented level of livestock attacks across the Sierra Valley, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife killed four gray wolves believed to be responsible for them.

Gray wolves are protected as an endangered species under both state and federal law, the California Endangered Species Act and the federal Endangered Species Act. However, lethal removal is permitted only under strict conditions.

The decision to kill the wolves came after major livestock losses in the state. Between March 28 and Sept. 10, CDFW reported that the wolves were responsible for 70 total livestock losses. In total, there were 110 confirmed or probable wolf-caused livestock losses statewide during that time.

CDFW said it worked in partnership with the U.S. Department of Fish and

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