Authors: John Hart, USDA-APHIS-WS and Dan Stark, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Presentation given at 2015 Midwest Wolf Stewards Conference at Northland College. April 2015.
Minnesota Wolf Depredation Update 2014 John Hart USDA-APHIS-WS 34912 U.S. Hwy 2 Grand Rapids, MN 55744 (218) 327-3350 [email protected] Dan Stark Minnesota DNR 1201 Hwy 2 East Grand Rapids, MN 55744 (218) 999-7802 [email protected]
Management reverts back to what it was prior to January 2012 Taking wolves in defense of human life Depredation control allowed for verified depredation on domestic animals, except Federal wolf management Zone 1 Wolf removal assistance statewide for human safety No depredation control trapping by certified gray wolf controllers No funding for WS wolf depredation control until March 17, 2015 On the ground impacts of 2014 Wolf Court Ruling
Domestic animals verified killed by wolves in MN in 2014 does not include animals only wounded by wolves • 64 calves, 2 yearling • 8 cows • 21 sheep • 2 mini horses • 1 goat • 5 dogs killed, – 14 dogs attacked/ injured
2015 a busy start • Mild winter/early spring • Low deer numbers • Good deer survival • Deer distribution – higher deer densities around towns and residences • Cattle out on pasture sooner
Minnesota Wolf Compensation Program • Compensation is paid by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. • Livestock producers are currently compensated at full market value for livestock killed by wolves. • “Missing” livestock are not paid for – a sore point with producers. • No compensation paid for pets, including guarding dogs.
Minnesota Wolf Range (14,094 mi2) 1,235 wolves (23,235 mi2) 1,521 wolves *(34,102 mi2) 2,445 - 2,921 (36,718 mi2) 2,211 *Total wolf range for 1998, 2004, and 2008 did not change. 2004 population estimate 3,020 wolves.