Defenders' Experts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Wolf Compensation Trust
Why is there a Defenders of Wildlife Compensation Trust?
The goal is to shift economic responsibility for wolf recovery away from the individual rancher and toward the millions of people who want to see wolf populations restored. When ranchers alone are forced to bear the cost of wolf recovery, it creates animosity and ill will toward the wolf. Such negative attitudes can result in illegal killing.
Do wolves kill livestock frequently?
No. Wolf losses represent one of the lowest causes for livestock losses in general. According to a 2006 report by the National Agricultural Statistics Service, 0.11 percent of all cattle losses were due to wolf predation in 2005. In comparison, an average of 90 percent of livestock losses are due to non-predator related causes, such as health problems and disease. Statistics offer little consolation, however, to those who suffer losses.
How does the program work?
A federal, tribal or state wildlife agent confirms through an investigation including necropsy techniques and the presence of tracks, hair and scat in order to determine that a wolf has killed livestock. An investigation report is sent to Defenders and we contact the rancher to help determine the livestock value. A check from Defenders is sent to the rancher after receiving the agent’s report. We pay full market value for calves and lambs for confirmed livestock kills by wolves and grizzly bears. We pay 50% of market value for probable losses when the evidence is strong, but not conclusive that the predators have killed livestock. Learn more about the program’s guidelines in the Northern Rockies and the Southwest.
How is the livestock value determined?
Defenders takes the rancher's assessment of the animal's value and compares it with current auction reports and livestock prices as reported in regional newspapers. If there is a significant difference, the local county extension agent determines the price. Our maximum payment per animal is $3,000. The Trust does not compensate the rancher if the livestock is covered by an insurance program or an existing state program.
What type of livestock is covered?
We compensate for sheep, cattle, horses, mules, goats, llamas, donkeys, pigs, chickens, geese, turkeys, herding dogs and livestock guarding dogs.
Will ranchers be compensated for time and energy expended dealing with livestock losses to wolves?
No. It is impossible to develop a program that completely insulates ranchers from all wolf-caused impacts. The intent of our program is to address the primary concern articulated most frequently by ranchers -- actual livestock losses.
How long will the compensation program be in effect?
Defenders’ wolf compensation program is available while
wolves are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Once
wolves are delisted from federal protection, Defenders will cease to
pay compensation in those regions. States may seek to adopt their
own compensation programs and Defenders will assist in setting up
these programs if requested. However, Defenders will continue
helping livestock producers with proactive, nonlethal tools and methods to
reduce conflicts.
Learn more about these proactive and nonlethal tools and methods.
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