Are Viable Non-Lethal Management Tools Available for Reducing Wolf-Human Conflict? Preliminary Results from Field Experiments

• Published in: Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference
• Main Authors: Gehring, Thomas M., Hawley, Jason E., Davidson, Sarah J., Rossler, Shawn T., Cellar, Anna C., Schultz, Ronald N., Wydeven, Adrian P., VerCauteren, Kurt C.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: eScholarship, University of California 2006
• Subjects: adaptive management; Canis lupus; empowering farmers; fladry; gray wolf; livestock depredation; livestock guarding dog; non-lethal management; shock collar; spatial scale; wildlife damage management; wolf; Life Sciences
• Online Access: http://www.escholarship.org/uc/item/6x91j4mc

Wolf-caused depredation results in substantial economic loss to individual farmers and can lead to greater public animosity towards wolves (i.e., reduction in social tolerance) and the agencies that manage depredations. Using an experimental design in field trials, we are testing shock collars, fladry, and livestock guarding dogs to determine if they are effective in reducing wolf use of areas in Wisconsin and Michigan. During 2003-2004, we equipped 5 wolves with shock collars and found that a 14-day shock period resulted in a decline in wolf use of baited sites by 50% compared to control wolves that increased visitation to baited sites by 18%. During 2005, we found that all pack members in shock-collared wolf packs (n = 5) avoided shock sites for over 60 days after being exposed to a 40-day shock period. During 2004-2005, we found that fladry offered farms at least 90 days of protection from wolves. During 2006-2008, we are conducting field trials with livestock guarding dogs on Michigan farms using an experimental design protocol and additional field trials of shock collars in Wisconsin. Our preliminary data suggest that shock collars and fladry may reduce wolf use of areas within their pack territories. Results of this research will provide important guidelines for implementing potential non-lethal management measures in areas wolves have recolonized or will likely recolonize in the near future and/or where wolves are being reintroduced.