Increasing Number of Wolves a Problem for Area Landowners
Rusk County (WQOW) – A new head count of wolves has some landowners concerned about their livestock.
The DNR says the state’s wolf population jumped 17 percent in just one year. It’s believed the harsh winter was a factor because it slows wildlife down, allowing wolves to catch their prey much easier.
The wolf was recently removed from the endangered species list, which means farmers are allowed to kill or trap wolves if they threaten their livestock.
Jim Heintz, who lives in southern Rusk County, is one of those farmers. “I’d say I’ve lost 30 to 40 head at least over the past ten years,” said Heintz. “The first calf that went missing, I know it wasn’t sick, because it was up and running around. All of a sudden, it disappeared. I figured somebody had swiped my calf,” said Heintz. He said he believes that somebody was a wolf.
Heintz’s neighbors have experienced the same problems over the years, and the cost is adding up. “When I lose a calf, and I don’t have proof that a wolf killed it, I don’t get any money for it,” added Heintz. “And it’s not just the cost of a calf. It’s the cost of keeping that cow, because she has to produce another calf.”
Adrian Wydeven has been keeping tabs on the state’s wolf situation. Wydeven, who is a DNR Conservation Biologist and the state’s leader on wolf projects, says a concrete management plan is needed.
“We’re up to seven farms that have had depredation problems this year. Most of those sites are under control, as the U.S. Wildlife Services is performing trapping maneuvers,” said Wydeven. “But recently, we learned the Humane Society was attempting to sue, hoping the wolves would be put back on the endangered species list. We need a management system that stays consistent, without the back-on, back-off the list politicss,” said Wydeven.
Like many farmers in Wisconsin, Jim Heintz believes the state is on the right track. But, he believes more needs to be done to control the wolf, so farmers don’t have to worry about counting all of their cattle every morning.