USDA Asks States to Review Wolf Management Policies

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is urging states to review their wolf management policies, increase communication with livestock producers, and coordinate with federal agencies on wolf predation.

In an October 12 announcement, Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins said the outreach follows President Donald Trump's Executive Order 14425, titled “Supporting America’s Ranchers.” The USDA said it is asking states to help ranchers understand how to report suspected wolf predation and work with the appropriate authorities on livestock protection.

“For too long, America’s ranchers have dealt with wolves threatening and killing their livestock, their livelihoods, and the family operations they have spent generations building,” said Secretary Brooke L. Rollins. “As ranchers await federal clarity on this issue, I am urging states to listen to their producers, review state-specific wolf protections, and work with USDA wherever possible to protect livestock, including through lethal removal when requested by the appropriate authorities and authorized by law. The most pro-rancher Administration in history will continue standing with our ranchers and working to rebuild the Great American Cattle Herd.

“American ranchers have been forced to deal with apex predators devastating livestock for far too long despite these protected species exceeding recovery goals long ago,” said Representative Hageman. “Those who work around the clock to keep our shelves stocked and neighbors fed deserve to be fairly compensated for losses from D.C.-protected predators like the grey and Mexican wolf. I am pleased to see President Trump and Secretary Rollins taking steps to relieve our ranchers of unnecessary predators on their lands and deliver due compensation when losses happen.”

Wolf Damage Management & Federal Requirements

The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Wildlife Services provides wolf damage management assistance at the request of appropriate state agencies or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

Requests for lethal removal must come from those authorities and meet applicable requirements, including agreements, environmental analyses, and compliance with state and federal law. APHIS currently supports state and federal partners through more than 40 agreements.

The USDA is also encouraging states to communicate directly with ranchers about reporting suspected predation to the appropriate state agency or USFWS.

Livestock Loss Assistance

Wolf predation can affect livestock operations through animal losses, additional management costs, and reduced livestock weights.

Under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, the USDA's Farm Service Agency increased Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) payment rates for qualifying predation losses to 100% of the determined market value.

Producers who lose livestock to qualifying wolf attacks can contact their local Farm Service Agency office for information about eligibility and the application process.

Additional information is available through the USDA's Ranchers First webpage.