Research shows cows aren’t crying wolf

In 1994, an environmental impact statement collaborated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service and the US Forest Service, was signed to reintroduce gray wolves to central Idaho and Yellowstone National Park. Since then, the wolf population has boomed across the western region and proved to be problematic for livestock producers. According to the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, there were 51 confirmed cattle kills, 15 probable cattle kills, 24 confirmed sheep kills and 7 probable sheep kills in the state in 2013. On top of hitting ranchers’ finances with livestock death rates, a recent study conducted by Oregon State University (OSU) has found cows exposed to wolves are less likely to become pregnant. “"When wolves kill or injure livestock, ranchers can document the financial loss," said Reinaldo Cooke, an animal scientist in OSU's College of Agricultural Sciences, in an Extension article. “But wolf attacks also create bad memories in the herd and cause a stress response known to result in decreased pregnancy rates, lighter calves and a greater likelihood of getting sick. It’s much like post-traumatic stress disorder – PTSD – for cows."...more