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Home > Programs and Policy > Wildlife Conservation > Conservation Solutions > Wolf Compensation Trust

Guidelines for Wolf Compensation in the Northern Rockies

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 methods, deterrents and strategies for reducing or avoiding livestock losses to wolves and other native carnivores. Learn more about our nonlethal deterrents program or contact us for more information.

Important Update for Montana: Beginning April 15, 2008 all compensation claims in Montana should be sent to the Montana Livestock Loss Reduction and Mitigation Board. This state sponsored program will take the place of Defenders' wolf compensation program in Montana.

Process

If livestock owners suspect they have incurred a loss due to wolves, the first step is to protect the evidence. Agency experts suggest covering the remains when possible and keeping it undisturbed by other animals. The second step is to contact a local USDA Wildlife Services (or appropriate state or tribal) field representative who will conduct an investigation of the incident and provide a depredation report to the producer. The report should provide a reasonable and complete record of evidence based on the USDA Wildlife Services’ Criteria for Classification of Reported Depredation Incidents. If the investigation report verifies that wolves were the cause of the livestock death or injury, the livestock owner can seek compensation by mailing or faxing a copy of the investigation report to Defenders along with a claim for the market value of livestock loss. (See guidelines for classification of losses.)

Defenders will reimburse livestock owners for verified wolf-caused losses of livestock at 100% of the fair market value for confirmed losses (up to $3000 per animal) and 50% of the fair market value for probable losses (up to $1500 per animal). Reimbursable losses include both wounded and dead livestock. A reimbursement payment is normally received within 6 weeks. 

In order to process a compensation claim for wolf depredations on livestock, the following information must be submitted:

  1. A completed copy of the standard investigation report form for confirmed and/or probable losses due to wolf predation.
  2. Copies of sales receipts or market reports that identify the value of the livestock loss or copies of receipts for veterinarian services and/or supplies for treating injured animals.
  3. Complete contact information for the livestock owner including phone number, mailing address and best time to contact in case we have any questions.

Reports should be sent to:

Idaho Field Office
Defenders of Wildlife
P.O. Box 773
Boise, ID 83701
Phone: (208) 424-9385 or Fax: (208) 424-0169
Email address: jesse.timberlake@defenders.org

Eligibility

It is our intent to offer this compensation to help reduce wolf-related economic losses for individual ranchers and farmers while promoting wolf conservation. To best serve these goals, Defenders adheres to eligibility and documentation guidelines for compensation of wolf-related livestock losses. Livestock owners who demonstrate reasonable use of nonlethal methods will remain eligible for compensation. When possible, we will assist with appropriate nonlethal deterrents to help livestock owners reduce future conflicts with wolves.  Learn more about our nonlethal deterrents.

The following requirements must be met to be eligible for compensation from Defenders:

  1. The livestock in question were legally present on the land where the depredation occurred.

  2. Defenders of Wildlife must receive claims within six months of the depredation event.

  3. The loss is determined by USDA Wildlife Services or another authorized agency equivalent as a “confirmed” or “probable” loss  See the Depredation Classification Guidelines.

  4. There is no evidence of long-term, unmanaged presence of dead or dying livestock in the immediate area that attracted the wolves and likely caused the depredation

  5. The livestock covered under these guidelines include sheep, cattle, horses, mules, goats, llamas, donkeys, pigs, chickens, geese, turkeys, active livestock herding dogs and livestock guarding dogs.

  6. The livestock loss is not being compensated by a private insurance policy or compensation process other than that offered by Defenders of Wildlife.

Livestock Producers Advisory Council

Defenders has established a livestock producer advisory council to help us evaluate and adapt these programs to meet changing needs while providing meaningful assistance in the best interest of wolves and residents in the region. These ranchers represent cattle and sheep producers who have experience raising and managing livestock in wolf occupied areas. The Council also evaluates and provides guidance for livestock investigation claims that do not meet the requirements of this program. Our current council members are listed online at www.defenders.org/livestockcouncil.