Wood River Wolf Project

The project started in 2008 in Blaine County, Idaho, as a short-term study to understand the effectiveness of nonlethal methods to deter wolves from preying on livestock. 14 years on, the project has experienced tremendous success through an engagement programme that works with local stakeholders to support coexistence between the people, their livestock and wolves.

Of the 20,000 sheep grazed in this landscape, an average of just 5 per year are lost to wolf predation and only one wolf has been killed in response to depredations since the project efforts began. These sheep losses are 90% lower than those reported elsewhere in the state. The Wood River Wolf Project has proven that their non-lethal methods to deter livestock predation are at least 3.5 times more effective than traditional lethal wolf control measures.

Wolf predation on livestock has significant consequences for the livelihoods of farmers, leading to conflicts between humans and wildlife and often resulting in the persecution of predators. The repercussions extend beyond the immediate conflict, as the loss of native predators has far-reaching negative effects on the overall health of ecosystems.

The Wood River Wolf Project exemplifies the power of collaboration among stakeholders with divergent interests. By joining forces to identify effective, non-lethal solutions for conflicts with wolves, this project successfully reduces tension for the people that share the landscape with this important, keystone species. 

The team have also developed a site-analysis system that collects data and provides tailored recommendations of best practices for individual ranchers and landowners.

Trail cameras enable the Wood River Wolf Project to record wolves in the Wood River Valley and alert herders to potential high-conflict zones. Crucially, this footage is providing evidence of wolves and sheep inhabiting the same area while non-lethal deterrent tools have been in use, documenting their effectiveness.

NatureSpy are pleased to be supporting Wood River Wolf Project through the loan of 35 trail cameras that have expanded the teams’ toolkit, helping to provide clearer images of wolf presence and behaviours.