Defenders' Experts
Background on Defenders of Wildlife Proactive Carnivore Conservation Fund
Wolves, grizzly bears and other predators are slowly reclaiming parts of their former ranges. Occasionally, these carnivores may prey on livestock or cause other problems. Defenders believes that the same public that seeks more room for predators has a responsibility to help resolve conflicts associated with the recovery of these animals, so Defenders created the Defenders of Wildlife Proactive Carnivore Conservation Fund to prevent conflict between imperiled predators and humans before it occurs.
The Defenders of Wildlife Proactive Carnivore Conservation Fund was initiated in the northern Rockies and Southwest, but the program expanded to address conflicts in areas across North America and abroad.
The program is a
natural outgrowth of our wolf and grizzly bear compensation programs, which
offer payments to livestock owners for livestock losses caused by wolves or
grizzly bears.
Working with landowners, resource managers and others to prevent or reduce predator problems has important conservation benefits. Human-caused mortalities, including illegal killings and lethal control by government agencies in response to livestock predation incidents, remains the leading cause of wolf mortality in the northern Rockies and the American Southwest. Similarly, about one-third of grizzly bear deaths each year are attributable to government control actions in response to conflicts on private lands.
To reduce or prevent conflicts from occurring, projects may be proposed by landowners or other entities to address predator problems. If the concept is practical and within our means, we share the cost of the project. Projects may also be proposed by government agencies or by Defenders.
Defenders would like to thank The Bailey Wildlife Foundation for their generous support of the Proactive Carnivore Conservation Fund, which was crucial in initiating coexistence efforts.
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