News

Wolf pressure high in northern Minnesota

Wolves continue to prey on livestock in northern Minnesota.

Miles Kuschel, a cow/calf rancher from Sebeka, says wolf populations seem to be very healthy this winter despite the animal being removed from the Endangered Species List January 4th.

“Definitely haven’t seen a reduction in numbers. In fact, we’re seeing more interaction with wolves this year than we have in the past years due to the low snow cover and their inability to chase deer down.”

Kuschel tells Brownfield not only is he seeing increased wolf pressure on livestock, so are his neighbors.

“And we haven’t even started calving season yet, so it’s going to be a challenging calving year in regards to wolf problems.”

In Minnesota, wolves are now managed solely by state and tribal authorities.  The state’s wolf plan allows owners of livestock to shoot or destroy wolves that pose an immediate threat on property they own or lease.