Wolf depredation concerns have Colorado ranchers on high alert. It comes following the controversial re-introduction of wolves in the state, which has led to major population growth with the potential to double in the next year.
Experts say if Colorado’s four packs each produce four pups this spring, it will add 20 or more wolves to the state’s current collared population of 22.
Tom Harrington with the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association joined RFD-TV’s Tammi Arender to discuss the overall threat the wolves pose to livestock, if he has seen an increase in depredation issues, and if he expects the issues to increase as the wolf population continues to grow.
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The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) are praising the passage of a bill to delist gray wolves as an endangered species by the U.S. House last week.
The Pet and Livestock Protection Act now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Tom Peterson with the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association says taxpayers are “unfortunate casualties” of this overlay now that the Mexican wolf population is stable under ESA guidelines.
“Sometimes populations correct on their own. That seems to be what is happening here.”
