Defenders' Experts
Wolf Predation and Livestock Losses
Wolf Predation Plays Small Role in Livestock Losses in 2005
- In the continental U.S., health issues such as respiratory problems, digestive problems, calving complications and disease were overwhelmingly the most significant causes of cattle death in 2005.
- Only 0.11% of all cattle losses were due to wolf predation in 2005.
- Coyotes killed more than 22 times more cattle than wolves killed that year.
- Domestic dogs killed almost 5 times as many cattle, and vultures killed almost twice as many cattle as wolves did in 2005.
- Theft was responsible for almost 5 times as many cattle losses as were lost by wolf predation.
- Predation by coyotes was the largest cause of sheep loss in 2005, accounting for 23% of all losses, followed by health problems & weather-related issues.
- In states with wolf populations, an average of less than 2.5% of sheep loss was due to predation by wolves in 2005.
Causes of Cattle Loss
Nationally
The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) recently reported the causes of cattle loss in the lower 48 states.
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As evident from these statistics, health issues such as respiratory problems, digestive problems, calving complications and disease were overwhelmingly the most significant causes of cattle death in 2005, followed by weather-related issues.
Only 5% of all cattle losses in the continental U.S. in 2005 were attributable to predators. In addition, only 0.11% of all cattle losses in 2005 were due to predation by wolves.Coyotes killed more than 22 times more cattle, domestic dogs killed almost 5 times as many cattle, and vultures killed almost twice as many cattle as wolves did in 2005.Interestingly, theft was responsible for almost 5 times as many cattle losses as were lost by wolf predation.
By State:
Data are not available for the exact number of cattle losses due to wolf predation for each state (except Wyoming).In the 2005 NASS report, wolves are grouped into an “other predators" category along with bears, vultures and other carnivores.However, even in states with wolf populations, cattle loss due to predation by “other predators” is negligible.Overall, predation by “other predators” accounts for .7% of cattle losses in the lower 48 states that contain wolves.The average number of cattle losses specific to wolf predation in these states is less than .7%.This compares to an average of 1.6% of cattle losses due to predation by coyotes and an average of 90% of losses due to non-predator related causes, such as health problems and disease.
Percentage of Cattle Losses due to Predation by "Other Predators" in States
with Wolves
| Arizona | 0.21% |
| California | 0% |
| Colorado | 0.17% |
| Idaho | 0.74% |
| Michigan | 0.28% |
| Minnesota | 0.65% |
| Montana | 1.10% |
| New Mexico | 0.68% |
| Wisconsin | 0.39% |
| Wyoming | 2.8% |
Causes of Sheep Loss
Nationally
The 2005 NASS report on sheep loss did not give specific numbers for losses due to wolf predation. Wolves were again lumped into the “other predators” category.However, a look at the data from this report also reveals that wolf predation plays a negligible role in sheep loss nationwide.
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Predation by coyotes was the largest cause of sheep loss in 2005 (23%), followed by health problems and weather related issues.
By State
The table below compares the percentage of sheep deaths attributable to “other predators,” including wolves, in states containing wolf populations.(Specific data on sheep loss due to wolf predation is available only for Montana and Wyoming.)The percentage of sheep lost to “other predators” in states with wolves averaged 2.5%.The average number of sheep losses specific to wolf predation in these states, then, is less than 2.5%.
Percentage of Sheep Losses due to Predation by "Other Predators" in States with Wolves
| Arizona | 2.56% |
| California | 3.61% |
| Colorado | 2.62% |
| Idaho | 5.10% |
| Michigan | 2.27% |
| Minnesota | 3.08% |
| Montana | 3.45% |
| New Mexico | 0.78% |
| Wisconsin | 0.78% |
| Wyoming | 1.05% |
Conclusions
Throughout the continental U.S., and even in states with large wolf populations, sheep and cattle loss due to wolf predation is very small when compared to other factors.Still, Defenders of Wildlife recognizes that even one loss to an individual rancher can be substantial.For this reason, Defenders continues to assist with preventative measures.Learn about The Bailey Wildlife Foundation Proactive Carnivore Conservation Fund.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). 2006. Cattle Death Loss.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). 2006. Sheep and Goats Death Loss.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Wyoming Field Office.Cattle Losses to All Causes. 2006.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Wyoming Field Office.2006.Wyoming Agricultural Statistics 2006.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Montana Field Office.2006.Montana Agricultural Statistics 2006
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