If you are running an operation that breeds prized bighorn sheep for stocking game preserves throughout America for trophy hunters why wouldn’t you maintain secure fencing? This operation run by sheep farmers Paul and Judy Canik in Butternut, WI, is in wolf country.  Will they be reimbursed for their loss? Will they be held accountable to maintain secure fencing in known wolf range?  Will the taxpayers have to pay for their loss? 

This story hit the news in Wisconsin this week:  Wolves kill 17 prized sheep in Price County, leave farming couple to rebuild 06/24/2016 leaving out the words ‘bighorn sheep raised for trophy hunters’ in the title causes concern and sympathy for the negligent operators of this game farm.  

They say they have to rebuild after wolves kill 17 sheep being raised for trophy hunts. 

“All 17 were a variety of bighorn sheep, being raised to breed and give birth to more bighorns. The Caniks sell the bighorns to hunting clubs and game preserves across America, helping those organizations stock their lands for trophy hunters.” 

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The following is posted on is posted on the WI DNR Website 

SHARING THE LAND WITH WOLVES
September 2015

Wolves generally are shy of people and avoid contact with them. Any wild animal, however, can be dangerous if it is cornered, injured or sick, or has become habituated to people through activities such as feeding. In the case of large predators, like wolves and bears, it is particularly important for people to avoid actions that encourage these animals to spend time near people, or become dependent on them for food.

Below are guidelines that you can follow to decrease the chance of wolf habituation and conflict while living in and visiting wolf country. Many of these suggestions will also reduce conflicts with other large predators, such as bears.

LIVING & WORKING IN WOLF COUNTRY

Wolves occasionally come close to human dwellings or worksites, often in search of prey. Normally they move on without causing problems, however, in some instances they can become habituated to humans, and can become a nuisance or a threat. Habituated, or bold wolves, usually have to be removed from the population to avoid further conflict. Use the following guidelines to prevent habituation of wolves near homes or worksites.

Never intentionally feed wolves.

Avoid any practices that acclimate wolves to people. Disposal of household refuse, especially meat scraps, may attract wolves. Wolves may become dependent on this food source and become accustomed to the presence of humans as a result. Dispose of food scraps and garbage in cans with secure lids.
Wolves can be attracted to food discarded by loggers and others working outdoors and can become habituated to receiving food from humans at outdoor work sites. Never intentionally leave food out at your worksite. Pack all food scraps and garbage out.

Feeding deer or other prey animals can attract predators such as wolves. Discontinue feeding until wolves move out of the area. Hang suet feeders at least 7 feet above the surface of the ground or snow.

Installing motion sensor lights may help keep wolves away from dwellings.
• Always remain aware of wolf sign near your home or work area. Report consistent and close wolf sign, or incidents of bold wolves to Wisconsin DNR (715-762-1363).
PETS IN WOLF COUNTRY
To protect both pets and wildlife, pets should always be monitored by their owners in areas where they may encounter wildlife. Unsupervised dogs that stray from their owner’s homes or from their handlers into wolf territories can be at risk. Wolves may treat dogs as interlopers on their territories and attack and kill or injure them, especially if the wolves have pups nearby. Occasionally wolves do attack pets near owner’s residence.

Do not leave pet food outdoors where it may be accessible to a wolf or other predators. Wolves quickly become acclimated to a consistent food source such as this and may eventually injure or kill pets. www.dnr.wi.gov

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Non lethal predator deterrents like Foxlights are being used in Wisconsin. 

Tilseth said the lights are just one of the nonlethal method farmers can use to coexist with wolves, adding that a wolf hunt is not the answer to conflicts between producers and wolves.