As Wolf Population Grows So Do Attacks On Livestock

wolf

PINETOP – With the 2019 wolf count being 163, nearly a 24% increase from the prior year, the need to protect cattle has never been greater. As a result, a group has made a contribution of $35,000 to support a program designed to reduce depredations.

The Range Rider Program, managed by the Interagency Field Team (IFT) of the Mexican Wolf Recovery Project, was granted $35,000 by the Eastern Arizona Counties Organization (ECO). The range rider, funded by ECO, will work in much of eastern Arizona and will be directed to areas where high levels of depredations are occurring.

According to Arizona Game and Fish, a range rider is a person who spends time in areas where wolves and cattle are in proximity and chases wolves from the area.

Range riders proactively deter conflict between wolves and livestock.

“ECO is pleased to provide this funding to AZGFD and the IFT,” said Jason Whiting, ECO chair. “Over the past two years, the number of depredations has increased as the wolf population increased, and this is impacting the region’s ranchers. Wolf depredations usually peak in early summer and continue into the fall, so this funding for the Range Rider Program will be put on the ground now.”

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