Cow pregnancies affected by wolf presence on Wash. ranches

[Koa]

Wolves breed problems for Washington ranchers
By Don Jenkins, 29 May 2018
CAPITAL PRESS

Fewer cows have been breeding on the range since wolves migrated to northeast Washington, an economic loss little known outside the cattle industry, according to the owners of the region’s largest ranch.

The Diamond M ranch estimates that the rate of “open cows” — females that didn’t become pregnant — has increased to about 20 percent from the historic rate of 5 percent.

“If wolves were attacking people night and day, I don’t think you’d have too many people pregnant,” said Len McIrvin, the patriarch of the family-owned and -operated ranch.

The Diamond M has been impacted by wolf recovery for a decade. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has culled wolfpacks that attacked the ranch’s cattle. Thrust into the spotlight, the Diamond M has been vilified by some environmental groups.

Read the full article here:
http://www.capitalpress.com/Livestock/2 ... n-ranchers

[Writers Block]

Oh, that's super interesting. It makes sense, though, when I think about it. Thanks for sharing!