Re: [PyrNet-L] Re: introduction of Wolves into Yellowstone

[darrell goolsbee <dgg@star-telegram.com>]

I interviewed a man from Defenders of Wildlife and another for the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service for a story that appeared in the March/April
Bulletin.

Wolves are indeed killing Pyrs (and other dogs) in the reintroduction
areas. It is part of wolf behavior to eliminate other canids, especially
during breeding and whelping seasons, that are in their territory.
Coyote populations dropped dramatically in Yellowstone after the
reintroduction, and one of the top causes of wolf mortality has been
being killed by other wolves.

All of which raises questions about how effective Pyrs and other
livestock guardian breeds will be in wolf country -- or even if they
will be effective at all.

Pyrs did protect against wolves in Europe, but it must be remembered
that Europeans used shepherds with their dogs. That human element is
missing in the U.S. and may be critical to success against wolves.

There is concern among the reintroduction people here that the very
presence of the dogs may even be attracting wolves.

Anyway, more studies are planned to see how many Pyrs are needed to
protect against wolf packs, which may number 10 or more individuals. And
remember that wolves, unlike coyotes, are approximately Pyr-sized.

So far, the thought is that Pyrs work best with tightly flocking
livestock in a confined area. But those conditions likely do not apply
for most ranchers in the Northern Rockies.

The Web sites of Defenders of Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service both record numerous instances of dogs, including a number of
LGDs, being killed by wolves. It is not a rare occurrence.

Darrell Goolsbee
Editor, GPCA Bulletin