A new article by NBC Montana claims that coyotes caused more monetary losses than grizzlies, mountain lions, and wolves in 2023.
The article says a USDA official said there were 1,579 livestock deaths caused by coyotes in fiscal year 2023, totaling $444,057 in losses. The USDA doesn’t reimburse ranchers for their coyote losses.
The Montana Livestock Loss Board reported 145 livestock deaths caused by grizzlies, mountain lions, and wolves for a total reimbursement of $211,721.98 in 2023.
Both agencies told the news station it’s impossible to keep an accurate tally.
These numbers do make a strong case for predator control on properties with livestock.
