Wildfires were a fact of life growing up, especially out West. I’d see bulletins come across the news – 50,000 acres, 100,000 acres, gone. I’d shake my head, think “That’s too bad” and go about my day. I think, from now on, I will view these events with a little more compassion.

The reintroduction of apex predator species to parts of their historical range continues to be a hot-button topic in the western U.S. Concerns and discussions have arisen in regard to federal plans to establish a grizzly bear population in the North Cascade Range of Washington state.

Despite growing questions about where the animals will be sourced from, Colorado wildlife officials are continuing with a plan to reintroduce a gray wolf population to the state by the end of 2023.

On July 27, Missouri cattle producer Charlie Besher testified before the House Natural Resources Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee in support of the Black Vulture Relief Act, sharing how predatory black vultures take a toll on cattle producers’ livestock and livelihoods.

Idaho has roughly double the wolf population number that was deemed maintenance level, and livestock depredation has increased as well.

There are numerous challenges to successfully raising livestock, including depredation by carnivores. Carnivores can kill, injure and stress livestock. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce the risk of losing livestock to carnivores.