Statesman and Wolves

Statesman and Wolves

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
Cameron Mulrony from the Idaho cattle Association said the following in an executive update. "We in the cattle industry were bothered a bit by an article in the Idaho Statesmen questioning the reporting of wolf depredations, and also the validity of Wildlife Services as they help us to control predators through out the state.  ICA is working to get the facts regarding the increased depredations out in the news, and we hope that you too can spread the message. For over 20 years cattle rancher Phil Davis has witnessed the killing of his cow herd by wolves and he recently spread this news: "When we had two dead cows in two days, as of today it is three dead cows in three days and seven in the Valley in the last five." 

This was brought to light as our industry partners with the Idaho Range Land Resources Commission (IRRC) made a press release stating the facts regarding the 2018 wolf depredations.  IRRC works on outreach and education of the public regarding issues associated with rangelands and continues to educate folks on public lands grazing.  As we work with our partners to protect the industry here in Idaho it is important to look at the roles we fill in keeping our industry viable.  As producers if you have the chance remind your friends and neighbors that predator control is a necessary tool in production, and the need to do so is vital to success. Depredations on livestock are a part of the business, but the excessive  depredations are similar to stealing product off the shelf.  You can only handle so many losses before you can no longer stay in operation.

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