not be hunted, disturbed, or killed for any reason. Between the years 1973 and 1978, the law was upholded and the number of wolves increased. In 1978, the increased population of wolves allowed a classification change from endangered to threatened.20Should wolves be reintroduced into the wild? This is a common question that is being asked frequently in the late 20th century.The biggest reason for not reintroducing wolves is the livestock predication. Ranchers are very upset that they are losing their livestock because the government wants to add another predator near their territory. Since a wolf reintroduction plan was started in May 1994, the livestock loss has been minimal.21 The number of animals killed by the wolf is lower than the numbers lost because of disease or other predators.22 To help the farmers with the problem, a fund has been set up that allows for compensation of livestock loss. If an animal is killed, an inspector goes to the site of the kill. There must be evidence of wolf involvement before the farmer is compensated. Many farmers are, for other reasons, losing animals to other predators and diseases, but are trying to blame the wolf for the loss. If the kill is identified as a wolf kill, then the farmer is paid the animals worth. A limit of approximately $400 was set for each compensation.23 A team of hunters then goes out and tries to kill the wolf responsible.24 The team does not necessarily have to kill the animal, but they will at least harass it so that it might not return.25 The number of wolves captured and eliminated for bothering, or killing livestock is approximately thirty-six per year. This number is very encouraging, considering wolf populations live near about seventy-two thousand farms. There have been about seventy cattle, ninety sheep, and three hundred twenty sheep killed on only twenty-one of these farms.26Wolves are known to be very intelligent animals that learn very quickly. ...
