A new study from UC Davis finds a single wolf can cause livestock losses of up to $162,000 due to reduced growth and pregnancies.
The researchers used motion-activated field cameras, GPS collars, wolf scat analysis and cattle tail hair samples to reach their conclusions.
Key takeaways from the University’s news article, authored by Emily C. Dooley:
The team found that:
- One wolf can cause between $69,000 and $162,000 in direct and indirect losses from lower pregnancy rates in cows and decreased weight gain in calves;
- Total indirect losses are estimated to range from $1.4 million to $3.4 million depending on moderate or severe impacts from wolves across the three packs;
- 72% of wolf scat samples tested during the 2022 and 2023 summer seasons contained cattle DNA; and
- Hair cortisol levels were elevated in cattle that ranged in areas with wolves, indicating an increase in stress.
To read the full article, click here: https://www.ucdavis.edu/food/news/novel-study-calculates-cost-cattle-ranchers-expanding-wolf-population
Photo: A game camera captured this gray wolf from the Lassen pack among a herd of cattle in July of 2022. (Ken Tate and Tina Saitone / UC Davis)
Story: UC Davis
