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The 1996 re-introduction of the gray wolf in the western United States has been a source of fiery debate here in Montana for many years. The fuss has been blown out of proportion, as the protection of these animals is vital to our region.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks estimated in December 2006 that 167 wolves populated the western Montana area. However, the low number of sheep and cattle that have been killed since re-introduction began is striking. From 1995 to 2004, authorities confirmed 167 cattle and 397 sheep were lost to wolf attacks in Montana. That breaks down to about 19 cattle and 44 sheep killed each year.

That hardly seems catastrophic. Because every confirmed loss of livestock is reimbursed to the rancher through the Defenders of Wildlife Bailey Wolf Compensation Trust, how can they claim significant losses? Defenders of Wildlife paid out $866,895 in claims during the period of 1987 through March 2007.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports that wolves cause less than 1 percent of all livestock deaths in the Northern Rockies. Data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service confirms that significantly more livestock are lost to disease, birthing problems, injuries, theft and other predators. However, many ranchers will grumble that wolves must cause unconfirmed livestock kills.

With the popularity of grazing on public lands, ranchers tend to check on their livestock less often. An Oct. 7 Missoulian article discusses rancher Rex Radtke's public grazing allotment. His allotment is not far from home, as the crow flies, but it's a rough and roundabout pickup drive, or a somewhat more direct horseback ride, to get there. During the summer, the Radtkes typically make it at least once a week to check the herd. How can anyone be certain of how an animal died when it has been dead for a week or more before it was discovered?

Grazing on public lands has given wolves much less room to roam as well. If ranchers choose to use public land for grazing, why shouldn't they have to assume the risk that's involved, including potential losses from all predators?

There are some things ranchers can do to protect their livestock and minimize the risk against predators. Most of these suggestions require more time than they do money. These measures include maintaining healthy livestock, birthing livestock closer to the barnyard instead of in distant pastures, placing sheep in secure pens overnight, removing animal carcasses from their property and using motion-activated strobe lights and sirens to deter predators.

Here are three of the most important benefits wolves bring to our state:

First, wolves target weak and sick wildlife. This elimination helps stem the growth of diseases in the animal population. It also rids the gene pool of weaker animals, allowing the stronger ones to reproduce.

Second, the wolves' control of deer and elk populations greatly benefits the environment. In the 1920s, when wolves were killed off, the elk and deer populations soared and overgrazing took its toll on vegetation. The loss of vegetation drove out many smaller wildlife species and reduced the food supply for grizzly bears. When the wolf was re-introduced in the 1990s, aspen pines, cottonwoods and other flora started their slow recovery - a recovery that continues today.

Lastly, wolves have brought an economic boon to western states. John Duffield, an economics professor at the University of Montana, says that in Yellowstone alone people spend $35 million dollars annually to see the wolves. That money turns over in local communities, pushing the regional economic impact to about $70 million a year, according to Duffield. These estimates are based on surveys Duffield conducted with 1,900 Yellowstone visitors. Most of these tourists said they wouldn't be visiting Yellowstone if the wolves weren't present.

We are very fortunate to live in a state with an abundance of wilderness areas. Co-existing with wolves can give us many benefits if we only choose to put our prejudices aside. As the Dalai Lama stated, “Because we all share this planet earth, we have to learn to live in harmony and peace with each other and with nature. This is not just a dream, but a necessity.”

Our actions today will be judged by the generations that follow in our footsteps. Will there be wolves for them to see in Big Sky country? I sure hope so.

Mark Boatman follows wolf-management issues and has an interest in wildlife conservation. He is a pre-journalism student at the University of Montana and lives in East Missoula.

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