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1995 Program Summary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wolf Depredation Control Work in Minnesota

Reprinted with permission from Bill Paul

To: Agencies and individuals interested in wolf depredation control work in Minnesota

From: William J. Paul, District Supervisor, USDA, APHIS, ADC, 717 NE 4th Street, Grand Rapids, MN 55744

Re: U.S. Department of Agriculture wolf depredation control
work in Minnesota, 1995

Program Summary (1995)
Wolf-livestock conflicts in Minnesota during 1995 were not as great as those recorded in 1994. A total of 72 complaints of wolf depredation on livestock or poultry were verified at 64 farms and 78 wolves were captured and killed in response to the depredations. In comparison, 83 complaints were verified at 74 farms and 175 wolves were captured (172 killed) during 1994.

Ten instances of wolf attacks on domestic dogs were reported. The attacks resulted in 8 dogs being killed and 2 others wounded. Wolf attacks on dogs often lead to concern by the public over human safety, especially when the dogs are attacked in the complainant's yard.

Thirty instances of alleged wolf depredation during 1995 were determined by the ADC personnel to be coyote damage. The number of livestock claimed lost for these complaints were 1 yearling cattle, 26 calves, 14 sheep, 1 goat, 386 turkeys, and 6 ducks. Coyotes remain an important factor in alleged livestock losses in the wolf range.

The number of wolves captured during wolf depredation control activities dropped from an all-time high of 175 in 1994 to only 78 in 1995. Some possible explanations for the substantial reduction in wolf captures are: (1) the number of farms with verified losses dropped from 74 in 1994 to 64 in 1995, (2) periods of extremely hot or extremely wet weather during the summer of 1995 reduced trapping success at some farms, (3) program budget constraints or the widespread distribution of wolf complaints reduced trapping efforts at some farms, (4) some wolf control personnel utilized during 1995 were less experienced trappers than those in the past, (5) wolf control personnel reported fewer wolves (smaller packs) at affected farms and only three wolf pups were captured in 1995, and (6) valuable field time was lost by program personnel in preparing responses to a lawsuit filed by Friends of Animals.

ADC personnel continue to recommend and utilize non-lethal methods of wolf control when appropriate. Several farmers inquired about livestock guarding dogs during the past year, and they were provided with information and a guard dog breeder's list. In spite of ongoing efforts by Minnesota ADC personnel to promote awareness about guard dogs, producer interest in utilizing the dogs remains low across the wolf range. Flashing light and siren devices are utilized in situations where individuals do not want the depredating wolves trapped, or in situations where wolves may be threatening or harassing livestock, but no damage has occurred. ADC personnel also continue to encourage livestock-producers to make changes in animal husbandry practices that could reduce the potential for wolf damage at their farms.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) published a Notice of Rulemaking in the December 26, 1995, State Register that would revise Minnesota's list of species designated as endangered, threatened, or of special concern. One proposed change would reduce the status of the timber wolf from a "threatened" species to one of "special concern." The publication of the Notice in the State Register begins a thirty-day public comment period during which people can submit comments or can request a hearing to contest the proposed revisions. The comment period ends on January 25, 1996. A hearing is required only if 25 or more persons submit a written request for one during this period. If no hearing is required, the DNR will adopt the revisions, and a new list should take effect by mid-April.

The time is rapidly approaching for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to propose delisting of the wolf in Minnesota. Minnesota's current population of 2,200 wolves is well above the Eastern Timber Wolf Recovery Plan goal of 1,400 wolves by the year 2000. While the Minnesota population is considered recovered, delisting will not occur until a second population of at least 100 wolves is established in Wisconsin-Michigan and that population level must be maintained for five consecutive years. The Wisconsin-Michigan population was estimated at 113 wolves in 1994 and 166 wolves in 1995. If the Wisconsin-Michigan wolf population trend continues, Minnesota's wolf population could be federally delisted after 1998 and management could be returned to the state of Minnesota.

Further information on ADC wolf control activities in Minnesota may be found in the Minnesota ADC Program Fiscal Year 1995 Annual Report.