January | February | March
| April | May
June | July | August
| September
October | November
| December
Summary of data YTD
Wolf-livestock conflicts in Minnesota
during 2001 were the lowest since 1991. A total of 54 complaints
of wolf depredation on livestock or poultry were verified at 48
farms and 106 wolves were captured (103 killed) in response to
the depredations. In comparison, 95 complaints were verified at
84 farms and 139 wolves captured (134 killed) during 2000. Eight
wolves were also captured (6 killed ) during 2001 in response
to wolf depredations on domestic dogs. Verified losses to wolves
included 10 cows, 54 calves, 5 sheep, 1 horse, 1 goat, 34 turkeys,
50 ducks, and 6 dogs.
Possible explanations for the significant
decrease in wolf-livestock conflicts during 2001 include: Minnesota's
wolf population declined from 2000 to 2001 due to disease factors
such as sarcoptic mange or canine parvovirus. Several radio-collared
wolves died from mange in MN, WI, and MI during 2001 and there
were other documented cases of wolves captured, observed from
the ground or air, or found dead that were inflicted with mange.
Mange was also prevalent in coyotes and red fox which share the
same general habitat as wolves.
Wolf population growth and range
expansion in Minnesota is probably approaching the carrying capacity.
Interspecific strife between packs or other population regulation
mechanisms may be creating a new population equilibrium.
Minnesota's white-tailed deer population
has now recovered to the high level seen prior to the severe winters
of 1995-96 and 1996-97. Increased numbers of fawns and yearling
deer are now available to wolves which helps reduce wolf depredations
on livestock.
Some Minnesota livestock-producers
may be frustrated with current federal wolf management policies
and may not be reporting wolf damage. This scenario does not seem
likely as even illegal opportunities to kill wolves at farms are
limited. Compensation payments for wolf damage are still a strong
incentive for producers to report livestock losses.
EMERGING ISSUES AND TRENDS Over the
past two months, several residents living on the north side of
Fall Lake near Winton have reported "bold" wolves entering their
yards and posing a threat to pets and humans. The problem area
is located within Wolf Management Zone 1 where WS is not authorized
by the USFWS to conduct wolf control actions. In an effort to
respond to the complaints, WS has asked the USFWS to make a change
to the current federal wolf regulations for Minnesota, to allow
capture/relocation of nuisance wolves which pose a demonstrated
threat to human health and safety. Current regulations only allow
wolves to be taken in defense of immediate human safety (an actual
attack).
Four complaints allegedly involving
wolves and livestock were received during the month. One complaint
was verified as wolf damage, 2 involved coyotes, and 1 involved
damage threat by wolves to livestock. Verified losses to wolves
were 1 cow wounded. Traps were set at 1 farm but no wolves were
captured. Three complaints were received of wolves coming into
people's yards and attacking or harassing domestic dogs. One dog
was verified killed at a residence near Menahga, but no action
was taken.
Five complaints allegedly involving
wolves and livestock or poultry were received during the month.
None of the complaints were verified as wolf damage. Three were
determined to be coyote depredation and two involved damage threat
by wolves to livestock. No control actions were taken.
To date in 2001, 53 complaints of
wolf depredation on livestock or poultry have been verified at
47 farms and 106 wolves have been captured (103 killed) in response
to the depredations. In comparison, 95 complaints were verified
at 84 farms and 139 wolves captured (134 killed) to this date
in 2000. Eight wolves have also been captured (6 killed) in 2001
in response to wolf depredations on domestic dogs.
Two complaints were received of wolves
coming around people's homes in rural areas. WS personnel investigated
the complaints but took no action, since no damage resulted from
the encounters
Minnesota
Monthly Activities Report -
October 2001
Twelve complaints allegedly involving
wolves and livestock were received during the month. Four of the
complaints were verified as wolf damage, 3 were coyote damage,
2 involved damage threat by wolves to livestock, 2 involved natural
mortality of livestock, and 1 involved missing livestock. Verified
losses to wolves were 2 calves and 4 sheep killed; 1 calf wounded.
Traps were set at 3 farms and a total of 9 wolves were captured
and killed at 2 of the farms. In addition, 2 wolves were captured
and killed at 2 farms where trapping was continued from last month.
Trapping is still ongoing at 1 farm.
To date in 2001, 53 complaints of
wolf depredation on livestock or poultry have been verified at
47 farms and 106 wolves have been captured (103 killed) in response
to the depredations. In comparison, 95 complaints were verified
at 84 farms and 138 wolves captured (133 killed) to this date
in 2000. Eight wolves have also been captured (6 killed) in 2001
in response to wolf depredations on domestic dogs.
WS personnel verified that two dogs
were attacked and wounded by wolves at a rural Duluth residence.
Traps were set at the residence.
Two residents on the southeast side
of Pelican Lake north of Brainerd reported that a "wolf" was hanging
around their homes and acting strangely (bold). The "wolf" followed
a person while they were walking their dog. Upon investigating
the complaint, WS personnel sighted the animal and shot it. The
"wolf" turned out to be a wolf/dog hybrid that that was released
or escaped in the area.
A report was received of wolf pups
infected with mange coming into people's yards in the Winton (Fall
Lake ) area. Residents expressed concern for human safety and
the spread of mange to their dogs through contact with the infected
pups. WS personnel investigated the complaints and documented
that the pups were not orphaned. Both adult and pup tracks were
observed together in the area. No action was taken by WS
Someone illegally released a group
of 8-10 wolf/dog hybrids in the Tower area over the Labor Day
weekend. WS received several calls from a cluster of rural residents
reporting that "wolves" were coming into their yards, up onto
their porches or decks, and hanging around their homes day to
day. One dog was killed by the "wolves" and several residents
expressed concern for human safety because of the boldness of
the "wolves." ASD Paul investigated the complaints and was able
to shoot two of the animals which he determined to be wolf/dog
hybrids. The physical appearance of some of the animals was very
wolf-like (3/4 wolf) which explained why people thought they were
wolves. However, the animals had some dog characteristics and
a distinctive blondish-red coloration. In addition to the two
animals that were shot, two others were trapped and destroyed.
The four animals taken were an adult male, adult female, and two
pups. One or two adults and a couple more pups were thought to
be left based on earlier sightings. The taking of the four hybrids
caused the remaining animals to move away from the problem area.
One additional sighting was reported in a new area near Tower
three weeks after WS completed the control action.
Wolf Fifteen complaints allegedly
involving wolves and livestock were received during the month.
Eight of the complaints were verified as wolf damage, 2 were coyote
damage or harassment, 1 involved damage threat by wolves to livestock,
1 involved missing livestock, 2 involved livestock carcasses too
old to make a determination, and 1 involved natural mortality/scavenging
of livestock. Verified losses to wolves were 2 cows, 7 calves,
1 sheep, and 1 guard dog killed. Traps were set at 7 farms and
a total of 9 wolves were captured and killed at 4 of the farms.
In addition, 3 wolves were captured and killed at 2 farms where
trapping was continued from last month. Trapping is still ongoing
at 3 farms.
To date in 2001, 49 complaints of
wolf depredation on livestock or poultry have been verified at
45 farms and 95 wolves have been captured (92 killed) in response
to the depredations. In comparison, 88 complaints were verified
at 80 farms and 131 wolves captured (126 killed) to this date
in 2000. Eight wolves have also been captured (6 killed) in 2001
in response to wolf depredations on domestic dogs. Four complaints
of wolves attacking or harassing domestic dogs were received.
WS personnel verified that wolves killed a dog at a rural residence
near Finlayson and wounded another dog at a residence near Orr.
Wolf/dog hybrids killed a dog at a residence near Tower. Traps
were set at two residences and two wolves were captured and killed
at one of the residences
Seventeen complaints allegedly involving
wolves and livestock were received during the month. Ten of the
complaints were verified as wolf damage, 1 involved bobcat damage,
5 involved damage threat by wolves to livestock, and 1 involved
livestock carcasses too old to make a determination. Verified
losses to wolves were 2 cows, 10 calves, and 1 goat killed. Traps
were set at 10 farms and a total of 19 wolves were captured and
killed at 5 of the farms. In addition, 12 wolves were captured
and killed at 3 farms where trapping was continued from last month.
Three reports of wolves coming into
yards or exhibiting nuisance behavior were received. No damage
resulted from any of the incidents and no action was taken by
WS personnel.
To date in 2001, 41 complaints of
wolf depredation on livestock or poultry have been verified at
38 farms and 83 wolves have been captured (80 killed) in response
to the depredations. In comparison, 85 complaints were verified
at 78 farms and 118 wolves captured (113 killed) to this date
in 2000. Six wolves have also been captured (4 killed) in 2001
in response to wolf depredations on domestic dogs
Eighteen complaints allegedly involving wolves
and livestock or poultry were received during the month. Thirteen
of the complaints were verified as wolf damage, 1 was coyote damage,
1 involved disease (black leg), 2 involved damage threat by wolves
to livestock, and 1 involved natural mortality/scavenging of livestock.
Verified losses to wolves were 3 cows, 11 calves, 1 colt, 34 turkeys,
and 25 mallard ducks killed. Traps were set at 13 farms and a
total of 19 wolves were captured (17 killed) at 8 of the farms.
Trapping is still ongoing at 3 farms.
A dog was attacked and wounded by wolves in the
yard of a rural Tenstrike resident. WS personnel confirmed the
damage and captured 4 wolves at the site (2 adult wolves were
killed and 2 pups were released because of their capture prior
to August.
Thirteen complaints allegedly involving wolves
and livestock or poultry were received during the month. Five
of the complaints were verified as wolf damage, 4 involved missing
livestock or poultry, and 4 involved damage threat by wolves to
livestock. Verified losses to wolves were 1 cow and 3 calves killed;
1 calf wounded. Traps were set at 3 farms and a total of 7 wolves
were captured (6 killed) at 2 of the farms. In addition, 3 wolves
were captured and killed at 2 farms where trapping was continued
from last month.
To date in 2001, 18 complaints of wolf depredation
on livestock have been verified at 17 farms and 33 wolves have
been captured (32 killed) in response to the depredations. In
comparison, 50 complaints were verified at 47 farms and 56 wolves
captured (55 killed) to this date in 2000. Two wolves have also
been captured and killed in 2001 in response to wolf depredations
on domestic dogs.
Seventeen complaints allegedly involving wolves
and livestock were received during the month. Nine of the complaints
were verified as wolf damage, 2 were coyote damage/scavenging,
1 was dog damage, 3 involved damage threat by wolves to livestock,
and 2 involved natural mortality of livestock. Verified losses
to wolves were 2 cows and 14 calves killed; 1 foal wounded. Traps
were set at 9 farms and a total of 20 wolves were captured and
killed at 6 of the farms. Trapping is still ongoing at 1 farm.
To date in 2001, 13 complaints of wolf depredation
on livestock have been verified at 12 farms and 23 wolves have
been captured and killed in response to the depredations. In comparison,
33 complaints were verified at 31 farms and 42 wolves captured/killed
to this date in 2000. Two wolves have also been captured and killed
in response to wolf depredations on domestic dogs.
A rural Britt resident reported a single wolf
coming into the yard and posing a threat to the safety of her
dogs. She chased the wolf off with a canoe paddle one time. No
action was taken by WS personnel on the complaint as no damage
had occurred.
Nine complaints allegedly involving wolves and
livestock were received during the month. Four of the complaints
were verified as wolf damage, 1 was coyote damage, 1 was damage
threat by coyotes to livestock, 2 involved natural mortality of
livestock, and 1 involved a lethal fight between horses.
Verified losses to wolves were 5 calves killed
and 1 calf wounded. Traps were set at 4 farms and a total of 3
wolves were captured (1 wolf each at 3 farms).
To date in 2001, 4 complaints of wolf depredation
on livestock have been verified at 4 farms and 3 wolves have been
captured and killed in response to the depredations. In comparison,
24 complaints were verified at 23 farms and 27 wolves captured/killed
to this date in 2000.
Two wolves have also been captured and killed
in response to wolf depredations on domestic dogs. Three complaints
involving wolves and domestic dogs were received. WS personnel
verified that 1 dog was killed at a farm residence near Tamarack.
Traps were set at the farm but no wolves were captured. The other
two complaints involved harassment or chasing of domestic dogs
by wolves where the dogs were not injured due to human intervention.
One complaint allegedly involving wolves and livestock
was received during the month. Three sheep and a 2-year-old steer
were killed at a farm near Clarissa in Todd County. WS personnel
investigated the complaint and determined that free-ranging dogs,
not wolves, were responsible for the damage.
To date in 2001, no complaints of wolf depredation
on livestock have been verified. In comparison, 8 complaints were
verified at 8 farms and 12 wolves captured and killed to this
date in 2000.
One small dog was reported killed and another
dog was missing at a rural residence near Bruno. WS personnel
investigated the complaint and determined that the dog was probably
killed by coyotes and not wolves.
A Grand Marais resident, a Scandia resident, and
a Pine City resident reported that wolves had come into their
yards. The complainants were concerned for the safety of their
dogs or children. No damage was reported as a result of the incursions.
WS personnel investigated the Scandia complaint
and determined that free-ranging dogs, not wolves, had left tracks
in the complainant's yard and around his dog kennel
DATE: March 6, 2001
One complaint allegedly involving wolves
and livestock was received during the month. Two sheep were killed
at a farm near Brookston. WS(Wildlife Service)personnel investigated
the complaint and determined that free-ranging dogs were responsible.
The complaint was referred back to the local Minnesota DNR conservation
officer.
To date in 2001, no complaints of wolf depredation
on livestock have been verified. In comparison, 3 complaints were
verified at 3 farms and 7 wolves captured and killed to this date
in 2000.
Two wolves were captured and killed at a
residence just north of Duluth where a dog was attacked and wounded
by wolves last month.
A report of mangy wolves coming into a Crane
Lake resident's yard was received. The complainant was concern
for the safety of his dogs and the potential transmission of mange
from the wolves to his dogs. WS did not take any action on the
complaint as no damage was involved.
During the month, the Minnesota Department
of Natural Resources (MDNR) released its draft Minnesota Wolf
Management Plan. The document was originally created in 1999,
following the 1998 Wolf Management Roundtable. The latest version
reflects the provisions of the 2000 Minnesota Legislature's wolf
management legislation (Laws of 2000, Chapter 463), which differ
in several respects from the 1999 "Roundtable Bill" provisions.
The finalized plan will be presented to the Eastern Timber Wolf
Recovery Team and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) for
approval. Once the plan is approved, the USFWS could begin federal
wolf delisting actions. Minnesota now has about 2,600 wolves -
well above the 1,250 wolves the Eastern Timber Wolf Recovery Plan
set as a goal to ensure the survival of the gray wolf in Minnesota.
The MDNR has estimated that its wolf management
plan will cost $95,000 for the coming fiscal year (2002), $785,000
in 2003, and then $695,000 in 2004 and beyond assuming federal
wolf delisting. Because USDA Wildlife Services (WS) has provided
an effective wolf depredation control program over the years,
MDNR intends to continue the WS program, with modifications to
include State certified predator controllers. When wolf management
becomes a State responsibility, continuation of the federal WS
program will require cost-sharing by the State. MDNR estimates
that the State portion of a cost-shared cooperative WS wolf damage
management program will be $200,000 annually.
Two complaints allegedly involving wolves
and livestock or poultry were received during the month Neither
of the complaints were verified as wolf damage - one involved
coyote depredation/scavenging on newborn calves and one involved
missing poultry.
A dog was attacked and wounded by wolves
at a rural residence just north of Duluth. WS personnel set traps
and snares at the residence but no wolves were captured during
the month.
| Complaints |
1/01
|
2/01
|
3/01
|
4/01
|
2001 YTD
|
2000 YTD |
| # received |
3
|
2
|
5
|
12
|
22
|
72
|
| # involving livestock |
2
|
1
|
1
|
9
|
13
|
46
|
| # verified |
1
|
0
|
0
|
5
|
6
|
37
|
| # involving livestock that were
verified |
0
|
0
|
0
|
4
|
4
|
24
|
| # of complainants |
3
|
2
|
5
|
12
|
22
|
67
|
| # farms where livestock confirmed
killed or wounded |
0
|
0
|
00
|
4
|
4
|
23
|
| # of complaints trapped |
1
|
0
|
0
|
5
|
6
|
24
|
| # of wolves captured/killed |
0 / 0
|
2 / 2
|
0/0
|
3/3
|
5/5
|
36/36
|
| Complaints |
5/01
|
6/01
|
7/01
|
8/01
|
2001 YTD
|
2000 YTD |
| # received |
18
|
14
|
20
|
20
|
94
|
171
|
| # involving livestock |
17
|
13
|
18
|
17
|
78
|
136
|
| # verified |
9
|
5
|
14
|
10
|
44
|
101
|
| # involving livestock that were
verified |
9
|
5
|
13
|
10
|
41
|
85
|
| # of complainants |
9
|
14
|
20*
|
20+
|
80
|
152
|
| # farms where livestock confirmed
killed or wounded |
9
|
5
|
13*
|
10
|
38
|
78
|
| # of complaints trapped |
10
|
3
|
13
|
10
|
42
|
79
|
| # of wolves captured/killed |
20/20
|
10/9
|
23/19
|
31/31
|
89/84
|
129/124
|
* indicates 1 repeat
+ indicates 3 repeat
| Complaints |
9/01
|
10/01
|
11/01
|
12/01
|
2001 YTD
|
2000 YTD |
| # received |
20
|
16
|
7
|
8
|
145
|
202
|
| # involving livestock |
15
|
12
|
5
|
4
|
114
|
161
|
| # verified |
10
|
5
|
0
|
2
|
61
|
114
|
| # involving livestock that were
verified |
8
|
4
|
0
|
1
|
54
|
95
|
| # of complainants |
20**
|
16**
|
7*
|
8*
|
125
|
177
|
| # farms where livestock confirmed
killed or wounded |
8
|
4
|
0
|
1
|
48
|
84
|
| # of complaints trapped |
9
|
4
|
0
|
1
|
56
|
89
|
| # of wolves captured/killed |
14/14
|
11/11
|
0/0
|
0/0
|
114/109
|
153/148
|
* 1 repeat
** 2 repeats
|
