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A Rancher's Guide to Wolves and Livestock

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Resources

Compensation Programs

There are two primary options for wolf depredation compensation: the federal Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and state compensation programs. To increase the likelihood of reimbursement, producers are encouraged to apply to both programs, though they cannot receive payment from both.

If you suspect a wolf depredation and would like to apply for compensation:

  1. Immediately call your local state wildlife agency office to report the suspected depredation and request an investigation.

  2. Document potential evidence by photographing things like tracks or bite marks (be sure to include an item for scale in pictures for easier identification).

  3. Preserve potential evidence by protecting the carcass from scavenging with fladry or electric wire.

  4. Protect livestock by moving other animals to a safe location, like a different pasture.

  5. After a depredation investigation, the Wildlife Services or state wildlife agency agent will typically complete a Depredation Report Form.

  6. If the agent determines the injury or death was a probable or confirmed wolf depredation, submit a claim with all relevant paperwork to your state’s compensation program or local Farm Service Agency office.

  7. If you have any questions, contact your state compensation program or Farm Service Agency. Below are details of your state’s compensation program and their contact information.

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Federal CompensatioN

USDA Farm Service Agency’s Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP)

    • Offers compensation to ranchers for livestock losses beyond average mortality, including losses caused by animals reintroduced or protected by the Federal Government.
       

    • Covers Livestock Death Losses and Injured Livestock.

      • Livestock Death Losses: Pays 75% of the average fair market value.

      • Injured Livestock: For animals sold at reduced prices due to injury from depredation, LIP pays the difference between the sale price and 75% of the average fair market value of the livestock.

    • You must submit a Notice of Loss and an Application for Payment to the Farm Service Agency office in the county where the loss occurred.

    • Notice of Loss: Within 30 calendar days of when the loss is first apparent.
       

    • Application for Payment: Within 60 days of the calendar year in which the loss occurred.

  • For help with the LIP, contact your Farm Service Agency State Office:
     

    • Arizona: (602) 285-6300

    • California: (530) 792-5520

    • Colorado: (720) 544-2876

    • Idaho: (208) 378-5650

    • Michigan: (517) 324-5110

    • Minnesota: (651) 602-7700

    • Montana: (406) 587-6872

    • New Mexico: (505) 761-4900

    • Oregon: (503) 692-3688

    • Washington: (509) 323-3000

    • Wisconsin: (888) 361-2000

    • Wyoming: (307) 261-5231

State CompensatioN

While state compensation programs vary, most offer compensation for depredations, and many offer compensation for conflict prevention. Conflict prevention measures such as range riding, fencing, physical deterrents, carcass removal, or livestock guardian animals may be eligible for compensation. The table below provides an overview of the programs offered by each state:

State
Depredation
Conflict Prevention
Additional Programs
Arizona
Yes
Yes
Carcass Removal, Pay for Presence (pending funding)
California
Yes
Yes
Pay for Presence
Colorado
Yes
Yes
No
Idaho
Yes
Yes
No
Michigan
Yes
Yes
No
Minnesota
Yes
Yes
No
Montana
Yes
Yes
No
New Mexico
Yes
Yes
Pay for Presence
Oregon
Yes
Yes
Missing Livestock
Washington
Yes
Yes
Community-based Conflict Prevention
Wisconsin
Yes
No
No
Wyoming
Yes
No
No

  • Programs

    • Depredation: Covers the fair market value of confirmed and probable depredations.

    • Depredation Prevention: Covers the cost of nonlethal conflict prevention measures.

    • Carcass Removal: Covers the removal cost to prevent conflict.

    • Pay for Presence (pending eligible funding): Covers additional costs of wolf presence on ranches like decreases in conception rates, weight loss, or extra costs of preventative measures.
       

    Application Forms

    For More Information

    • See the Arizona Livestock Loss Board

    • Contact the Arizona Livestock Loss Board at (623) 236-7279

    • If you suspect a depredation, contact the Interagency Field Team at (928) 339-4329 (after-hours and weekends (623) 236-7201)

  • Programs

    • Depredation: Covers the fair market value of confirmed and probable depredations.

    • Non-lethal Deterrents: Covers the cost of nonlethal conflict prevention measures.

    • Pay for Presence: Covers additional costs of wolf presence on ranches like decreases in conception rates, weight loss, or extra costs of preventative measures. Producers who reside in established wolf pack territory can apply.
       

    Application Forms

    For More Information

  • Programs

    • Depredation: Covers 100% fair market value for confirmed death or injury, up to $15,000 per animal. Conflict prevention measures are not required for reimbursement.

    • Conflict Prevention: Provides nonlethal deterrents and offers reimbursement funding for nonlethal methods deployed by ranchers.
       

    For More Information

  • Programs

    • Depredation: Covers the fair market value of confirmed depredations.

    • Conflict Prevention: Covers the cost of nonlethal conflict prevention measures.
       

    Application Forms

    For More Information

  • Programs

    • Depredation: Reimburses livestock producers for 100% of the fair market value of livestock lost.
       

    For More Information

    • See the Wildlife Depredations Indemnification Act

    • If you suspect a depredation, contact the USFWS Michigan Department of Natural Resources at (800) 292-7800

    • Contact the MI DNR Wolf Coordinator at (906) 228-6561

  • Programs

    • Depredation: Covers the fair market value of confirmed depredations.

    • Conflict Prevention: Provides funding for conflict prevention measures, including but not limited to livestock guardian animals, veterinary costs for guard animals, fencing, fladry, and calving or lambing shelters.
       

    Application Forms

    For More Information

  • Programs

    • Livestock Loss: Covers confirmed and probable depredations.

    • Conflict Prevention: Matches funds for nonlethal conflict prevention projects.
       

    For More Information

  • Programs

    • Livestock Loss: Covers losses from wolf conflicts.

    • Conflict Prevention: Provides funding for proactive, non-lethal methods

    • Pay for Presence: Covers additional costs of wolf presence on ranches like decreases in conception rates, weight loss, extra costs of preventative measures, or missing livestock.
       

    Application Forms

    For More Information

    • See the County Livestock Loss Authority

    • Contact the County Livestock Loss Authority at (575) 894-6215

    • If you suspect a depredation, contact the Interagency Field Team at (928) 339-4329 (after-hours and weekends (623) 236-7201)

  • Programs

    • Depredation: Provides compensation for confirmed wolf depredations.

    • Conflict Prevention: Offers compensation for implementing conflict prevention measures.

    • Missing Livestock: Offers compensation for missing livestock.
       

    Application Forms

    For More Information

  • Programs

    • Livestock Loss Compensation: Reimburses for wolf depredations on a sliding scale based on acreage. Confirmed wolf depredations are reimbursed for 100% of losses on less than 100 acres and 200% on more than 100 acres. Probable depredations are reimbursed for 100% of losses for any acreage.

    • Conflict Prevention: Landowners and WDFW can enter damage prevention cooperative agreements to prevent wolf-livestock conflict. This agreement offers funding for conflict prevention methods, information about wolf locations, and payment for unconfirmed livestock losses.
       

    For More Information

    Contacts

  • Programs

    • Livestock Loss Compensation: Covers probable and confirmed depredations above the normal loss rate for ranching operations. Veterinary costs resulting from injury are eligible for reimbursement. Wildlife Services specialists will conduct an investigation, and if confirmed, the specialist will provide an application for compensation.
       

    For More Information

  • Regulation Governing Big or Trophy Game Animal or Game Bird or Gray Wolf Damage Claims

    Programs

    • Livestock Loss Compensation: Provides compensation for confirmed wolf depredations. Confirmed sheep and calf depredations are reimbursed using a 7:1 multiplier.
       

    For More Information

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Support Directory

This section provides a comprehensive overview of government programs available to ranchers, covering both conflict prevention assistance and compensation for depredations and conflict prevention.

  • Overview

    • Wildlife Services’ (WS) Nonlethal Initiative is a national livestock protection and conflict mitigation leader.

    • The initiative offers technical assistance with conflict prevention techniques and implements tailored solutions for each operation with tools like fencing, fladry, range riding, and livestock guardian dogs.

    • In 2022, Wildlife Services completed about 1,200 nonlethal livestock protection projects.

    • The Nonlethal Initiative currently implements livestock protection measures in AZ, CA, CO, ID, MI, MN, MT, NM, NV, OR, WA, WI, and WY.

    • For more information, see the USDA APHIS | Wildlife Services' Nonlethal Initiative website.

  • For help with conflict prevention, contact your Wildlife Services State Office:

    • Arizona: (602) 870-2081

    • California: (916) 979-2675

    • Colorado: (303) 328-9041

    • Idaho: (208) 373-1630

    • Michigan: (517) 336-1928

    • Minnesota: (651) 224-6027

    • Montana: (406) 657-6464

    • New Mexico: (505) 346-2640

    • Oregon: (503) 326-2346

    • Washington: (360) 753-9884

    • Wisconsin: (608) 837-2727

    • Wyoming: (307) 261-5336

Organizations

Many organizations are dedicated to helping ranchers live with wolves, providing assistance ranging from livestock protection to compensation for losses. These groups offer expertise and support for ranchers adapting to a shared landscape with wolves.

  • A Montana-based community-driven group that helps ranchers implement non-lethal wolf deterrents, range riding programs, and conflict prevention measures tailored to local landscapes.

  • Developed a pioneering low-stress livestock handling method that improves herd behavior, reducing predation risk by keeping cattle grouped and responsive to handlers.

  • Focuses on low-stress livestock handling techniques to improve herd cohesion, reduce stress-related weight loss, and enhance livestock resilience against predators.

    Learn More >

  • Provides financial assistance for implementing non-lethal wolf deterrents, policy advocacy for coexistence programs, and education on predator-livestock interactions.

  • Works with ranchers in the Northern Rockies to integrate conservation-focused grazing strategies and habitat restoration while minimizing conflicts with wolves.

  • Provides science-based guidance on rotational grazing, forage improvement, and strategies for maintaining healthy rangelands while reducing predator conflicts.

    Learn More >

  • Conducts research on wolf-livestock interactions and collaborates with ranchers to develop innovative, science-based mitigation strategies.

  • Offers consulting on regenerative grazing practices, emphasizing methods that strengthen livestock herds and promote ecological balance in predator-prone landscapes.

    Learn More >

  • A coalition of ranchers and wildlife groups that deploys range riders, tracks wolf activity, and supports producers in reducing losses to wolves.

  • Works on conservation-based ranching initiatives, providing ranchers with science-backed strategies for predator-livestock coexistence.

  • Provides funding and resources for ranchers in Oregon to implement non-lethal deterrents and compensation programs.

  • Helps ranchers in the Northern Rockies implement adaptive grazing, carcass management, fladry, and other conflict prevention techniques while fostering community collaboration.

  • Assists ranchers with compensation claims, conflict reduction methods, and community-based solutions for managing wolf-livestock coexistence.

  • Based in Montana’s Tom Miner Basin, this group promotes predator-friendly ranching by testing and sharing effective deterrent methods such as guardian animals and night penning.

  • A network of landowners dedicated to sustainable land management, providing tools and policy guidance on predator coexistence and rangeland stewardship.

  • Works with Montana and Wyoming ranchers to integrate conservation practices, regenerative agriculture, and economic incentives for wildlife-friendly livestock management.

  • A leader in wolf-livestock conflict prevention, offering hands-on training, technical support, and mentorship for ranchers adopting non-lethal mitigation techniques.

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University Cooperative Extension Services

Many University Extension Programs offer professional expertise and assistance with implementing non-lethal deterrents to producers living with wolves, with programs tailored to each community's needs.

    • Provides research on predator-livestock interactions and conflict prevention in arid rangelands.

    • Offers workshops on range management, low-stress livestock handling, and fencing techniques.

    • Partners with ranchers to test non-lethal deterrents, including range riding and guardian animals.

    ​

    Learn More >

    • Runs the California Livestock-Wildlife Coexistence Program, offering technical assistance for ranchers adapting to expanding wolf populations.

    • Conducts research on livestock guardian dogs, fladry effectiveness, and adaptive grazing practices.

    • Hosts Working Rangelands Wednesdays, a webinar series on predator-livestock management strategies.

    ​

    Learn More >

    • Provides direct outreach to ranchers in response to the state’s wolf reintroduction efforts.

    • Offers science-backed guidance on rangeland monitoring, carcass management, and conflict mitigation techniques.

    • Develops educational materials and training programs for implementing coexistence strategies.

    ​

    Learn More >

    • Supports ranchers through research on predator deterrents in forested and mountainous grazing environments.

    • Collaborates with the Wood River Wolf Project to evaluate range riding and night penning effectiveness.

    • Offers funding opportunities for fencing and other non-lethal tools through state partnerships.

    ​

    Learn More >

    • Focuses on wolf-livestock conflict in the Great Lakes region, where wolves have been established for decades.

    • Provides guidance on livestock guardian dogs, pasture rotation, and risk assessment strategies.

    • Works with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on compensation programs for livestock losses.

    ​

    Learn More >

    • Specializes in wolf-livestock coexistence strategies for Midwestern cattle and dairy operations.

    • Offers educational workshops on low-stress livestock handling and herd management to reduce predation risk.

    • Conducts research on fence effectiveness, guardian animals, and community-based predator deterrent strategies.

    ​

    Learn More >

    • Assists ranchers in adapting to predator presence through improved grazing management and stockmanship.

    • Conducts field trials on range riding, fladry, and livestock guardian animals in partnership with local producers.

    • Provides financial assistance for implementing deterrents through state wildlife agency collaborations.

    ​

    Learn More >

    • Supports ranchers in areas with Mexican gray wolves through training on adaptive livestock management.

    • Works with state agencies to administer non-lethal conflict prevention grants.

    • Develops educational materials on carcass management, guardian animals, and fencing techniques.

    ​

    Learn More >

    • Offers a Predator-Friendly Ranching Program, providing ranchers with research-based strategies for minimizing wolf conflicts.

    • Supports producers through workshops, field visits, and cost-sharing programs for deterrents.

    • Works with USDA Wildlife Services to track wolf activity and provide risk assessments.

    ​

    Learn More >

    • Focuses on conflict prevention for ranchers in wolf-occupied areas of Eastern Washington.

    • Provides range riding training and works with ranchers to implement community-based deterrent programs.

    • Hosts online courses and workshops on livestock protection methods.

    ​

    Learn More >

    • Conducts research on predator-livestock interactions in Wisconsin’s agricultural landscapes.

    • Works with farmers to improve fencing, guardian dog programs, and pasture management to reduce predation risk.

    • Provides guidance on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ compensation and conflict prevention programs.

    ​

    Learn More >

    • Assists ranchers in balancing predator management with grazing efficiency and herd health.

    • Offers workshops on non-lethal deterrents, wolf ecology, and proactive livestock husbandry techniques.

    • Works with state agencies to provide funding and technical support for conflict prevention tools.

    ​

    Learn More >

LEARN MORE

Many organizations are dedicated to helping ranchers live with wolves, providing assistance ranging from livestock protection to compensation for losses. These groups offer expertise and support for ranchers adapting to a shared landscape with wolves.

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Success stories

Coming soon!

A Rancher's Guide to Wolves and Livestock

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