The proposal, introduced by Jon Tester, D-Mont., and John Barrasso, R-Wyo., is a response to the federal government’s March 28 decision to remove gray wolves in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho from the Endangered Species List - a decision that handed wolf management to the states.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined that the gray wolf population in Montana and Wyoming has recovered sufficiently since their introduction to Yellowstone National Park in 1992.
In Montana, the federal money would boost a newly formed livestock loss fund which will repay Montana ranchers the full market value of killed animals. The program, created as part of Montana’s wolf management plan, began accepting claims Wednesday.
The legislation also would allow federal grants for states to help lower the risk of wolf kills by improving fencing and grazing practices, using guard dogs, and other means.
Approximately 1,500 gray wolves now roam across Montana, Wyoming and Idaho.
The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks reports that wolves killed 75 head of cattle in 2007, up from 32 in 2006. Confirmed sheep losses rose from four in 2006 to 27 in 2007.
In Wyoming, the National Agricultural Statistics Service estimates that wolves killed 100 adult cattle and 600 calves in 2007. Sheep losses reached 100 ewes and 400 lambs last year.
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