Why is it that nearly three decades since the reintroduction of wolves into the Greater Yellowstone Area, we have yet to create a lasting environment for wolves, livestock, and people to successfully share the landscape and thrive? What are we missing as we struggle to resolve the decades-old coexistence challenge? This question of why has been one of the driving forces behind Working Circle’s efforts.
Based on our years of direct on-the-ground work partnering with ranchers across the West, this document highlights Working Circle’s approach to answering the WHY and actively addressing the root of the wolf-livestock coexistence challenge.
Based on our years of direct on-the-ground work partnering with ranchers across the West, this document highlights Working Circle’s approach to answering the WHY and actively addressing the root of the wolf-livestock coexistence challenge.
The concept of coexistence with wolves is often simplified, but there is nothing simple about it. It is complicated and certainly is not easy. In the past ten years, much has been discovered about “coexistence” and what that means. This discovery process has revealed the many dynamic layers required to move in a better and lasting direction for all stakeholders. This deeper understanding has led to newer, more advanced, and tremendously successful strategies. Strategies that redefine what coexistence looks like by changing the historical paradigm for how wolf-livestock conflict is approached.
As we explore this topic, we must consider that the landscape is not the same as it was 100, 50, or even 20 years ago. Ranchers and wildlife advocates must work within that reality as the human population increases and the competition for the use of open space increases, livestock and predator co-occurrence is inevitable. Also increasing is wildlife’s dependence on private ranch lands for habitat and connectivity between public open spaces. Ranching is an integral part of the wildlife conservation picture that needs to be recognized, valued, and embraced. The man-created boundary between wild and working lands has become unsustainable. The “and” in the middle is a battleground with no winners. It is time to widen the scope of the conversation. For long-term success, we must look forward and focus on newer holistic approaches to wolf-livestock conflict mitigation that consider the broader ranch picture.
As we explore this topic, we must consider that the landscape is not the same as it was 100, 50, or even 20 years ago. Ranchers and wildlife advocates must work within that reality as the human population increases and the competition for the use of open space increases, livestock and predator co-occurrence is inevitable. Also increasing is wildlife’s dependence on private ranch lands for habitat and connectivity between public open spaces. Ranching is an integral part of the wildlife conservation picture that needs to be recognized, valued, and embraced. The man-created boundary between wild and working lands has become unsustainable. The “and” in the middle is a battleground with no winners. It is time to widen the scope of the conversation. For long-term success, we must look forward and focus on newer holistic approaches to wolf-livestock conflict mitigation that consider the broader ranch picture.
Prevent Loss to Livestock while Adding Value to the Ranch
Historically, coexistence between predators and livestock has required a continued output of resources in terms of time, energy (emotional, mental, and physical), and money. This outpouring of resources is not sustainable for ranchers, NGOs, or wildlife agencies. For coexistence to work long-term, the investment in conflict reduction practices must lead to an equal or greater return on investment, leading to positive, long-term, sustainable outcomes.
We must look to practices with the dual objectives of reducing wolf-livestock conflict risk and advancing the overall ranch goals. Such practices increase ranch resiliency to withstand both the presence of predators and the many other challenges ranchers face today. The goal is to prevent the loss of livestock through practices that provide additional benefits to the ranch, adding value overall
Historically, coexistence between predators and livestock has required a continued output of resources in terms of time, energy (emotional, mental, and physical), and money. This outpouring of resources is not sustainable for ranchers, NGOs, or wildlife agencies. For coexistence to work long-term, the investment in conflict reduction practices must lead to an equal or greater return on investment, leading to positive, long-term, sustainable outcomes.
We must look to practices with the dual objectives of reducing wolf-livestock conflict risk and advancing the overall ranch goals. Such practices increase ranch resiliency to withstand both the presence of predators and the many other challenges ranchers face today. The goal is to prevent the loss of livestock through practices that provide additional benefits to the ranch, adding value overall
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Commonly used tools: fladry, traditional range riding (human presence), and even compensation programs, buy valuable time and have a significant role. However, we must expand beyond physical tools and predator scare tactics, which can function effectively in controlled environments such as calving pastures short-term but don’t solve the underlying problems, nor are they reasonable to consider in more extensive pastures or open range. We must move away from dependence on stop-gap strategies and invest more in advanced, comprehensive approaches that address the root of what is actually causing the conflict in the first place.
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Traditional conflict reduction practices that drain resources, even energetically, inhibit ranchers’ ability to engage in or proactively implement conflict reduction practices. When ranchers need to make changes only for wolves, which can take valuable resources in time and energy away from the ranch, resentment towards wolves grows, reducing overall physical and social tolerance for this predator, this is the case even if the changes have a successful result. Whereas managing conflict risks through herd and operational practices that support their overall ranch goals directly benefits ranchers beyond the potential for conflict. In addition, ranchers need to be able to manage conflict risk, as they do any other part of their business management plan, and do so without long-term outside reliance.
Actively deterring wolves over thousands of acres is daunting. Investing time and energy towards long-term approaches that build the ranch to withstand wolves while lowering vulnerability to predation makes more sense.
Actively deterring wolves over thousands of acres is daunting. Investing time and energy towards long-term approaches that build the ranch to withstand wolves while lowering vulnerability to predation makes more sense.
Manage for what you want vs. managing for what you don’t want or fear
~ Hilary Anderson, Crazy D Ranch, Montana
~ Hilary Anderson, Crazy D Ranch, Montana
Managing Less for Wolves and Managing More to Meet the Goals of the Ranch
More often than not, when approaching coexistence, the focus is first on the wolves and the potential for conflict and then looking for ways to manage for wolves. Instead of concentrating on the conflict to determine coexistence strategies, we should first work to identify and understand the overall ranch vulnerabilities and needs. Ranchers face numerous challenges in the modern world. Focusing on conflict risk reduction strategies that strengthen the ranch business overall makes the potential for conflict less of an issue financially, emotionally, and energetically. By fixating solely on wolves and the conflict itself, we miss the opportunity to identify and implement more meaningful strategies that solve the root cause that makes the wolf-livestock conflict a big problem. In short, the actual problem must be identified before considering solutions.
More often than not, when approaching coexistence, the focus is first on the wolves and the potential for conflict and then looking for ways to manage for wolves. Instead of concentrating on the conflict to determine coexistence strategies, we should first work to identify and understand the overall ranch vulnerabilities and needs. Ranchers face numerous challenges in the modern world. Focusing on conflict risk reduction strategies that strengthen the ranch business overall makes the potential for conflict less of an issue financially, emotionally, and energetically. By fixating solely on wolves and the conflict itself, we miss the opportunity to identify and implement more meaningful strategies that solve the root cause that makes the wolf-livestock conflict a big problem. In short, the actual problem must be identified before considering solutions.
Focus on the process of discovery before implementing or selling the “solution”
~ Hilary Anderson, Crazy D Ranch, Montana
~ Hilary Anderson, Crazy D Ranch, Montana
It’s easy to get stuck and remain tunnel-visioned on wolves, but instead, we need to think of the long game. We need to concentrate on conflict risk reduction approaches that do more than try to control wolves but that fit into the needs of the overall ranch ~ strategies that focus more on what’s in the rancher’s control. Trying to control wild wolves is tough; managing sound business practices that consider conflict risk is 100% in the rancher’s control.
The fact is, some ranches will experience livestock loss to wolves, and it is not likely that we will be able to prevent this entirely. However, we can strengthen the ranch with strategies and practices that have the co-benefits of reducing the risk of livestock loss and the impact if loss occurs. By supporting conflict risk reduction strategies that also help build the ranch, we help wolves, livestock, and people succeed long term ~ a win-win scenario that benefits all stakeholders. In addition, we work to neutralize the polarizing debate that has hindered productive collaborations between wildlife NGOs and ranching communities.
This is not a one-size fits all scenario. What may make sense on one ranch may not make sense for the other. To support the landowners and managers in developing a road map forward, the following questions must be asked: What are your desired outcomes for the ranch? How does predator-livestock conflict affect your operational goals? What does a loss actually mean to the ranch? What other challenges does the ranch face? How does the potential for wolf-livestock conflict compare to that?
It may mean that after evaluating the whole ranch’s needs, strategically looking at and building conflict mitigation approaches into their business plan is a valuable use of resources. For another operation, putting resources into predator mitigation would not make sense because those resources are better put towards addressing other challenges of greater concern or instituting practices that will get a greater return on investment. Yet, others may find some conflict-reducing methods have additional value, even if they aren’t worried about wolves.
The fact is, some ranches will experience livestock loss to wolves, and it is not likely that we will be able to prevent this entirely. However, we can strengthen the ranch with strategies and practices that have the co-benefits of reducing the risk of livestock loss and the impact if loss occurs. By supporting conflict risk reduction strategies that also help build the ranch, we help wolves, livestock, and people succeed long term ~ a win-win scenario that benefits all stakeholders. In addition, we work to neutralize the polarizing debate that has hindered productive collaborations between wildlife NGOs and ranching communities.
This is not a one-size fits all scenario. What may make sense on one ranch may not make sense for the other. To support the landowners and managers in developing a road map forward, the following questions must be asked: What are your desired outcomes for the ranch? How does predator-livestock conflict affect your operational goals? What does a loss actually mean to the ranch? What other challenges does the ranch face? How does the potential for wolf-livestock conflict compare to that?
It may mean that after evaluating the whole ranch’s needs, strategically looking at and building conflict mitigation approaches into their business plan is a valuable use of resources. For another operation, putting resources into predator mitigation would not make sense because those resources are better put towards addressing other challenges of greater concern or instituting practices that will get a greater return on investment. Yet, others may find some conflict-reducing methods have additional value, even if they aren’t worried about wolves.
One understanding is worth a thousand techniques.
~ Bill Dorrance
~ Bill Dorrance
The presence of wolves can lead to emotionally charged decisions and investments that drain resources and may result in short-term solutions that don’t solve the underlying problem. Thus, apart from emergency response measures, we must focus on the discovery process first, why did the conflict occur? Carefully evaluating the bigger picture of what’s happening, including vulnerability factors in livestock and operations, before implementing strategies will save valuable time and resources.
In 2022, Working Circle partnered with Ranch Management Solutions Ranching for Profit School. Some have asked, “What does this have to do with coexistence?” It has everything to do with serving both wolves and ranchers. If the rancher has the operational tools to support an economically viable and resilient business plan, wolves and other predators become less of an actual, possible, or perceived threat.
In 2022, Working Circle partnered with Ranch Management Solutions Ranching for Profit School. Some have asked, “What does this have to do with coexistence?” It has everything to do with serving both wolves and ranchers. If the rancher has the operational tools to support an economically viable and resilient business plan, wolves and other predators become less of an actual, possible, or perceived threat.
Understanding the challenges ranchers face and the level of sophistication required to operate
these complex biological systems in an economically and ecologically sustainable fashion
will go a long way to ensure that working ranches and large predators who
share those landscapes can endure and thrive long-term.
~ Southern Oregon Rancher
these complex biological systems in an economically and ecologically sustainable fashion
will go a long way to ensure that working ranches and large predators who
share those landscapes can endure and thrive long-term.
~ Southern Oregon Rancher
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Some people hesitate at this approach due to traditional mindsets. Some wolf advocates think, “We are wolf conservationists; we are not in the business of supporting ranch operations.” But, as wolves, like other wildlife, are becoming more dependent on the open space and wildlife corridors that ranchlands provide, ranch families need to be able to work and live with wolves on shared lands successfully. In contrast, ranchers may hesitate at the thought of supporting wolf conservation. However, when ranchers fully embrace their valuable role as stewards of the land and wildlife, including predators, there are great opportunities for funding, positive public perception, and market support.
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Another roadblock comes from resistance to new ideas or approaches. The strategies discussed in this document often fall outside the expertise or comfort zone of wildlife advocates and wildlife agencies, and ranchers don’t want wolf conservationists meddling in their business. It is much simpler to put up fladry, dig in our heels, or claim nothing works rather than lower our barriers to moving forward and take the time to understand the more complex and nuanced approaches discussed in this document. We must not be afraid to address the true breadth of factors influencing coexistence success. We need to push the envelope of our comfort zones to finally experience positive long-term outcomes.
We cannot do our best when fighting against our worst.
~ Author Unknown
~ Author Unknown
Understanding Vulnerability for Conflict Risk Mitigation
An example of where we can add value to the ranch while reducing conflict by managing less for wolves and more for what is in the rancher’s control lies in the concept of vulnerability. By supporting the ranch goals and increasing the business strength of the ranch, you reduce vulnerability to the operational or economic impact of wolf-livestock conflict. Understanding cattle vulnerability creates the opportunity to explore and implement practices that reduce wolf-livestock conflict risk by solving the root causes of wolf-livestock conflict.
An example of where we can add value to the ranch while reducing conflict by managing less for wolves and more for what is in the rancher’s control lies in the concept of vulnerability. By supporting the ranch goals and increasing the business strength of the ranch, you reduce vulnerability to the operational or economic impact of wolf-livestock conflict. Understanding cattle vulnerability creates the opportunity to explore and implement practices that reduce wolf-livestock conflict risk by solving the root causes of wolf-livestock conflict.
If you are going to raise prey in predator country,
you want to be sure your cattle are the least vulnerable on the landscape
~ Whit Hibbard, Stockmanship Journal
you want to be sure your cattle are the least vulnerable on the landscape
~ Whit Hibbard, Stockmanship Journal
Prey’s vulnerability highly influences wolf hunting success. As wolves circulate around their territory, they encounter and test prey under various conditions to gain information about the prey’s susceptibility to hunting. Through trial and error, wolves end up with the prey they can capture.
For livestock, many factors affect vulnerability, including:
Understanding the influence of the factors above is essential to developing appropriate ranch-specific conflict risk reduction approaches that also work towards achieving overall ranch goals.
For livestock, many factors affect vulnerability, including:
- How humans handle the livestock
- Response of livestock to predator pressure
- Terrain/topography
- Mothering instincts of cows
- Single/alone animals, “bunch quitters”
- Scattered cattle vs. grouped herds
- Encounter rate between wolves and livestock
- Carcass scavenging opportunities
- Condition/health of livestock
- Ungulates mingled with livestock
- Predictable location and movement of prey, including livestock
- Fencing
Understanding the influence of the factors above is essential to developing appropriate ranch-specific conflict risk reduction approaches that also work towards achieving overall ranch goals.
Using Stockmanship to Lower Vulnerability in Cattle while Adding Value to the Ranch
One way to address cattle vulnerability while adding value to the ranch is through specific herd management practices, including Bud William’s Low-Stress Livestock Handling (LSLH).
One way to address cattle vulnerability while adding value to the ranch is through specific herd management practices, including Bud William’s Low-Stress Livestock Handling (LSLH).
One way to address cattle vulnerability while adding value to the ranch is through specific herd management practices, including Bud William’s Low-Stress Livestock Handling (LSLH).
Unfortunately, when LSLH principles are not fully understood, the method is often misrepresented, overly simplified, or applied incorrectly. When the principles and techniques are wholly and correctly employed, LSLH has a tremendous capacity to reduce vulnerability to predation while providing economic benefits and increased operational efficacy.
In brief, humans' handling of cattle directly translates to how cattle handle predator pressure. LSLH boosts cattle’s natural defenses to predation by teaching cattle to respond to pressure calmly rather than react to pressure in a manner that increases predators’ potential for hunting success. Improving cattle’s ability to handle pressure results in less stress when encountering predators, which addresses concerns about stress-induced weight loss.
Spending time preparing cattle through LSLH before they are turned out for grazing season proactively reduces the risk of wolf-livestock conflict and increases its potential for success.
Additional approaches can advance ranch resiliency and reduce the potential for wolf-livestock conflict, including prescribed grazing plans, calving season-specific feeding, and other stockmanship practices. All these ranch management practices are directly in the rancher’s control vs. trying to control wild wolves.
By exploring sustainable opportunities that help build ranches with the co-benefit of reducing vulnerability to predation, everyone is set up for success: the rancher, who lives and works with wolves on the landscape, the NGOs who advocate for wolves, and the wildlife agencies responsible for managing wolves. These are good investments!
Unfortunately, when LSLH principles are not fully understood, the method is often misrepresented, overly simplified, or applied incorrectly. When the principles and techniques are wholly and correctly employed, LSLH has a tremendous capacity to reduce vulnerability to predation while providing economic benefits and increased operational efficacy.
In brief, humans' handling of cattle directly translates to how cattle handle predator pressure. LSLH boosts cattle’s natural defenses to predation by teaching cattle to respond to pressure calmly rather than react to pressure in a manner that increases predators’ potential for hunting success. Improving cattle’s ability to handle pressure results in less stress when encountering predators, which addresses concerns about stress-induced weight loss.
Spending time preparing cattle through LSLH before they are turned out for grazing season proactively reduces the risk of wolf-livestock conflict and increases its potential for success.
Additional approaches can advance ranch resiliency and reduce the potential for wolf-livestock conflict, including prescribed grazing plans, calving season-specific feeding, and other stockmanship practices. All these ranch management practices are directly in the rancher’s control vs. trying to control wild wolves.
By exploring sustainable opportunities that help build ranches with the co-benefit of reducing vulnerability to predation, everyone is set up for success: the rancher, who lives and works with wolves on the landscape, the NGOs who advocate for wolves, and the wildlife agencies responsible for managing wolves. These are good investments!
Cattle being cattle and wolves being wolves, conflict will always be a factor. . . However,
successful, long term, and sustainable coexistence, though not easy, is surely possible
if we are willin’ to get beyond our pride and just be smart about it.
~ Joe Englehart, Ranch Manager, Alberta, Canada
successful, long term, and sustainable coexistence, though not easy, is surely possible
if we are willin’ to get beyond our pride and just be smart about it.
~ Joe Englehart, Ranch Manager, Alberta, Canada
Working together, we have an opportunity to get it right for everyone. We have the ability to create a lasting environment for wolves, livestock, and people to coexist and thrive by expanding the narrow focus on traditional tools and strategies and approaching coexistence on a deeper, more meaningful level.
Thank you to our rancher and science partners who have provided expertise in guiding Working Circle’s activities. A special thank you to Hilary Anderson, Joe Engelhart, and Ranch Management Consultants for sharing their insight and experience, which helped lay the foundation for our approach and the concepts in this document.
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