In a hidden forest den, wolf pups are born helpless, blind, and toothless—barely able to crawl. Underground, nurtured by their mother, they are often raised in the same den the pack has used for generations. This is a very exciting time for wolves, as we witnessed with the Sawtooth Pack. The adults, quivering and whining with excitement, bring bones and bits of fur to the pups as gifts. The entire pack takes care of the youngsters as they are welcomed into the family.
Wolf pups are born when winter gives way to spring. It is also the time of year when calves and lambs are born. The challenge is how to keep livestock apart from wolves and other carnivores. Although wolves account for a tiny fraction of cattle and sheep losses, their presence often stirs fear and a call for lethal control.
However, a new peer-reviewed study in the scientific journal Rangelands shows that nonlethal deterrents are far more effective, with an average success rate of 91 percent. The good news is that forward-thinking ranchers are seeing positive results by choosing proactive approaches over simply killing wolves.
In Australia, Foxlights have been a proven nonlethal tool for years. So why could they not work here? In fact, they do. Staked into the ground or mounted on posts, these strobe lights flash erratically to mimic a human with a flashlight, scaring away not only wolves but other potential threats as well. Yet USDA Wildlife Services directs less than one percent of its $286 million budget to nonlethal deterrents, while continuing to almost exclusively fund lethal control—missing an opportunity to invest in practical, effective solutions that are already working on the ground.
In response to this oversight, Living with Wolves has been distributing Foxlights and other nonlethal deterrents—free of charge—for nearly five years to livestock producers in Idaho, Montana, Washington, Oregon, California, and now in Colorado.
One of the most effective ways to reduce conflicts is to have a human presence. Specifically, this practice is known as “range riding.” Having a human patrolling grazing cattle on horseback or ATV is proven to lower incidents involving predators and livestock. In fact, nonlethal methods like range riding are more than twice as effective as killing wolves to prevent conflict. Living with Wolves is now sponsoring a new conflict mitigation program based in Washington State, training range riders in the Western states on how to regain this lost skill.
These positive programs, backed by science, affirm our resolve to relentlessly promote coexistence and inspire as many people as possible to protect wolves. We continue to change the narrative about wolves, dispelling the myths that fuel fear and misunderstanding. Our work is only made possible through your support.
Your gift will immediately work to:
- expand our educational outreach through classroom presentations, newsletters, books and films, interactive programs and museum exhibits.
- advance coexistence efforts by monitoring key policy developments and supporting direct engagement with lawmakers at the state and national level.
- sustain critical scientific research that can lead to better understanding of wolf behavior and conservation practices.
Thank you from all of us for your support,
Jim and Jamie
Founders, Living with Wolves
P.S. Your commitment is vital to our mission, and we are deeply grateful for your ongoing belief in our work.
WOLF PUPS
Wyakin (L) and Wahots (R)
The inseparable brother and sister pair, Wyakin and Wahots, were constantly wrestling, one trying to dominate the other. Wyakin was a veracious eater, stashing way what she could not finish for later. However, when she wasn’t looking, Wahots would sneak off and consume her hidden meals. On average, wolf pups put on about three pounds per week for their first three months. Reaching substantial size and strength by winter is crucial – otherwise, they may struggle to keep up with the rest of the pack in deep snow.
Learn more about the Language of Wolves in our
National Geographic book,
Running with Wolves: Our Story of Life with the Sawtooth Pack.
OUR MISSION
Living with Wolves is a non-profit organization dedicated to engaging the public worldwide in education, outreach and research to promote truth and understanding about wolves, while encouraging coexistence and inspiring people to take action to protect them.
