The Effect Of Wolves On Farms

Wolves may not attack humans often, but they do attack their farms quite frequently. Wolves will attack farm animals that are led astray from their respective groups; calves especially. In a four year span between 2001 and 2005, 54 Wisconsin farms had been victim of depredation (Lehmkuhler). However, physically harming or killing farm animals is not the only effect wolves have on farms. The presence of wolves nearby induces stress on the livestock which, “can result in increased susceptibility to disease and weight loss, reduction in the value of the meat, and interfere with reproduction,” (Lehmkuhler). This constant harassment can cause the cattle to abort, give birth early or give birth to a weak calf (Lehmkuhler).
Harassing cattle also