Washington Offers Payments for Wolf Kills of Livestock

With ranchers in Washington state concerned about gray wolves, the state department of fish and wildlife is proposing what may be the most generous compensation for livestock losses in the West.

An agency spokeswoman, Madonna Luers, tells The Wenatchee World the plan is intended to foster support for the newly restored wolf population. It is one of four alternatives in a draft environmental impact statement that was released Oct. 5.

The preferred alternative offers twice the value of an animal confirmed to be killed by a wolf on a grazing site of 100 acres or more and full value on sites less than 100 acres. It also offers full value for animals that are considered "probable depredation" by wolves on grazing sites of 100 acres or more and half the value of the animal on sites less than 100 acres.

State or federal officials would determine whether wolves were responsible or likely responsible for the kills.

Reprinted from Seattle Times