by MTN News
A new report out this week shows the number of livestock losses in Montana due to wolves dropped in 2013 compared to 2012.
But the experts say it’s too early to tell if an increase in wolf hunts is the reason.
Livestock loss numbers dropped significantly during the 2012-2013 season, the same time wolf hunts were up.
“We don’t have enough data over enough years to know,” said George Edwards, Livestock Loss Board Coordinator. “If I look back through my numbers since we began paying claims in 2008, it’s kind of a yo-yo effect. There hasn’t been any consistency here.”
The last legislature changed wolf tag availability from three tags per person to five. Non resident tags were $350. Now they cost just $50.
“The legislature decided we needed to have more tools in our tool box, when it came to controlling the numbers of wolves in the state, said Fish Wildlife and Parks spokesperson Bob Gibson.
The livestock loss board says the actual animal loss is only a small part of the equation. Studies have shown just having the predator influence on cattle strongly affects animal development and overall livestock value.
Fish Wildlife and Parks officials do not anticipate a decrease in the number of wolf tags next season. Even with the number of wolf hunts increasing, the number of cattle deaths attributed to wolves in 2013 – was very similar to 2011.