Spring is coming, and that means for some, the prospect of wolf conflicts with livestock. With 102 total
verified wolf conflicts in 2024, and probably many more not documented or confirmed, what can
farmers do to lessen the risks of wolf harassment, attacks, and threats?
Obviously, keeping livestock inside is the most effective method of preventing trouble. But that is not
always possible. Wolves and other predators, can be attracted to animal carcasses, grills and garbage,
domestic pets, so bury carcasses as deep as 4’ or more and eliminate as many attractants as possible.
Wolves are also naturally attracted to deer and other potential prey that may enjoy eating in your fields.
Sometimes, auditory and visual deterrents are used to reduce wolf presence, as well as deer presence.
Unfortunately, these wild animals soon get acclimated to such deterrents and they are not effective
long-term for more situations.
Signs Of Wolves
Keep an eye on your livestock. If they act uncharacteristically, such as being hard to handle, nervous,
feeding in a distracted manner, or herding close together, you may have wolves in the area. Any
problems should be reported to USDA APHIS Wildlife Services. The number to call for the northern
office is 1-800 228-1368. In the south and some Central WI locations, call 1-800-433-0663. You will
probably need to leave a message. But wildlife service is very good at responding to your call and
visiting your location. They are required to respond within 48 hours.
If Find Evidence
If you have evidence of wolf activity, preserve the evidence. Photos are very important in identifying a
problem. Do not wait until a harassment event or attack has occurred. Reporting as soon as any
incident occurs or even the consistent presence of wolves is very important to finding solid evidence,
which a wildlife technician will seek and examine. Waiting may mean the difference between obtaining
a claim or being denied. Just your experience in seeing a wolf or wolves is not enough evidence. Hard
physical evidence is required.
You may subscribe to DNR updates on wolf conflicts around the state on the DNR home page. Scroll
down to the bottom of that page and find the red envelope where it says “Subscribe to DNR updates”.
Click on this tab. Select the method you wish to receive updates (email or text). There are two different
locations that will advise of wolf conflicts on the long list of DNR updates that will open. Under the
heading “Announcement and News”, look for the Livestock Depredation Notification list. This gives you
current reports of livestock or pet attacks, harassments, and threats.
The other list is only for depredations on hunting dogs on public property. That notification is under Wildlife Management, click on “Gray Wolf Depredation Alert”. For these alerts, there is a 4-mile perimeter for caution areas around the incident, including a map. For all other wolf conflicts, the DNR does not provide a caution map.
However, the Township and County will be identified on your notification, and since average wolf pack
territories are 65 square miles in WI you might consider that a potential warning area.
New Proposed Legislation
Legislation in Congress to delist wolves will allow for lethal removals in agricultural depredations and
harassment situations. Landowner permits have also been approved in past periods when wolves were
delisted. The legislation proposed will not allow court review. Past relisting by courts have always
involved only technical issues with the delisting order. A relisting has never occurred because of biological reasons. WI has the second highest number of wolves in the lower 48, and by far, the highest
human density in wolf occupied areas.
Be vigilant in known wolf areas. A map of currently surveyed wolf areas can be found on the DNR wolf
page, Click on “Reports” and view the latest Wolf Monitoring Report for the period from April 2023 –
March 31, 2024. Be alert and Good Luck.
