State Payments for Wolf Damage Increasing in Wisconsin

The amount of money paid to those who have lost animals to wolves in Wisconsin is growing along with the wolf population.

The payments are made by the state Department of Natural Resources for loss of cattle, horses and pets. The DNR says it’s paid animal owners about $215,000 so far this year, the most on record.

Since 1985, the DNR has shelled out $1.5 million for damage inflicted by wolves. DNR wildlife damage specialist Brad Koele tells the Oshkosh Northwestern the new hunt this fall should reduce the number of animals killed by wolves.

A group of humane societies has filed a lawsuit to stop the wolf hunt because it allows hunters to use up to six dogs to track wolves. The plaintiffs note that 232 hunting dogs have been killed or injured by wolves since 1985.