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Defenders of Wildlife Expands Proactive Predator Conflict Prevention Program
Grizzly compensation funds reallocated to minimizegrizzly-related conflicts before they occur
Statement by Jamie Rappaport Clark, executive vice president of Defenders of Wildlife
"In light of the successful recovery of the Yellowstone grizzly bear population and its subsequent removal from the endangered species list, Defenders of Wildlife will be shifting its focus in the Yellowstone region to the prevention of grizzly-livestock conflicts and will be devoting our resources towards more proactive projects to prevent livestock depredations."Defenders' compensation program was implemented in Yellowstone in 1999 to reduce conflicts with livestock producers while grizzlies were listed as a threatened species. Now that this population will no longer be listed, we will focus our resources on proactive measures to effectively minimize conflict between grizzlies and livestock, as well as conflict between grizzlies and humans.
"Electric fencing, range riders and livestock guarding dogs are just some of the proven effective predator control methods we have worked to implement with ranchers. We plan to dedicate more resources to proactive measures within the greater Yellowstone area and will continue to work with private landowners on preventing conflicts.
"Livestock losses due to grizzly bears are relatively rare in the Yellowstone Ecosystem. Defenders compensated for an average of one or two grizzly-related livestock losses per year and spends and average of $1,000 annually on this program. Proactive measures have contributed significantly toward keeping livestock losses low. We expect that, with more of these proactive initiatives, bear-livestock conflicts will remain minimal.
"Defenders will continue to pay compensation where grizzly bears remain listed under the Endangered Species Act and where there is no state compensation program, in the Northern Continental Divide, Cabinet/Yaak and Selkirk Ecosystems, as well as the Bitterroot Ecosystem if grizzly bears ever return there."
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Defenders of Wildlife is recognized as one of the nation's most progressive advocates for wildlife and its habitat. With more than 500,000 members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is an effective leader on endangered species issues. For more information, visit www.defenders.org.
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