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Wolves kill four calves in northern Minnesota

A northern Minnesota crop and livestock farmer recently lost four calves in one night after gray wolves attacked his herd.  And the producer says he feels like his hands are tied.

Shayne Isane of Badger says wolves are a huge problem in his area.

“They bring in federal trappers when we do have kills, but when you see attacks like that it’s definitely a sign of over-population.”

Gray wolves are protected under the Endangered Species Act, although the Trump Administration announced plans last month to simplify and improve protections.

Speaking to Brownfield at Farmfest in southwest Minnesota, Isane says the wolf should be de-listed.

“It would allow us a lot more flexibility in our control of those.”

He says while indemnity programs provide some compensation, the payments don’t make up for what he’s lost.

“It’s still not the same.  A lot of work goes into (raising cattle).”

Isane says just the threat of attacks is harmful to his cattle.

“Even if there aren’t kills, (the cows) are definitely more stressed.  There’s more health issues (as a result), and you can’t take many precautions.”

He says the current options for protecting his animals aren’t practical, especially during grazing.