Wolves Have Impact On Ranchers, OSU Study Finds

A new study from Oregon State University Extension links wolf presence to livestock revenue losses, as well as increased costs.  OSU Ag economist Tim Delbridge said the results of their work show a pretty severe impact on producers near wolf activities, or those operations within an Area of Known Wolf Activity.

“But when we're talking about a couple of miles difference as the crow flies, it may not seem significant," Delbridge noted.  "You know, Oregon's a big state and the country is large. So when you get down to dealing with wolves, though, a couple miles closer to the den makes a big difference.”

Delbridge said that, in part, explains the vastly different testimonies when it comes to wolf impacts, or attacks on livestock.  When it comes to the non-ranching community, he said he hopes this report provides in-depth understanding about what producers are facing day in and day out.

“Rather than just hearing the sky is falling, let's put a little bit of color to it. Let's put a little bit of nuance and explain how exactly this is impacting producers," he said.  "I think that that's helpful. It was helpful for me as I learned about this issue, and I think it's helpful for others.”

Delbridge noted the results of OSU’s study are very similar to studies in other western states, pointing out the impact of wolves is large for most of the heavily impacted producers.

"I haven't really seen much that says, ‘no, this isn't an issue’. So we know that producers are being impacted. We know it's a significant source of additional expense and a source of revenue reduction for livestock producers that are operating in areas of wolf activity.”

Delbridge noted the results of this study are not to question whether wolves have value in nature, but rather to make everyone aware that whatever benefits society enjoys, they are being paid for by a concentrated few people.

Click Here to read that study from OSU Extension.

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