Delia G. Malone
J. Dallas Gagel
On Monday, April 1, the Colorado House Committee on Agriculture, Water, and Natural Resources considered a bill entitled HB24-1375, the Native Carnivore Non-Lethal Coexistence Act. A majority of the members of the committee (9 out of 13) voted against the bill. I failed. A newborn calf was allegedly killed by a gray wolf in Grand County on Tuesday. Ranchers knew there were wolves in the area.
In the 1860s, dominant livestock producers and athletes pushed political agendas that resulted in the near extinction of wolves, grizzly bears, elk, and pronghorn in the West. In 2024, it is time to embrace a new paradigm based on ethical science that recognizes our mutual relationship with wildlife: coexistence. HB24-1375 was an attempt to initiate this coexistence framework.
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Defeat of this bill would affect ranchers who benefit from the new resources the coexistence bill would provide and work for producers in other areas. The main features of the coexistence bill are training in the art and science of shepherding and pastoralism, subsidies for the construction and maintenance of fences, huts, fox lights and other equipment, livestock training, compensation for ranch users, etc. , which was supposed to fund non-lethal coexistence measures. , carcass removal and education programs. In return, this bill would require adequate measures to prevent conflicts between livestock and apex carnivores to qualify for (full) compensation if livestock is lost to wolves, black bears, or cougars. They called for ways to coexist. Coexistence methods, including proper husbandry, significantly reduce the potential for livestock losses.
As the bill’s co-lead sponsor, Rep. Manny Lutinel, stated, “HB 24 1375 is a commitment to equity, sustainability, and collective security that goes beyond individual profit and encompasses the well-being of the entire farming community.” By supporting this bill, we are not only voting to protect livestock and protect wildlife, but also to ensure that both coexist and thrive, protecting Colorado’s landscape and future generations. You will be voting for a future that can enrich your legacy.”
Testimony against HB24-1375 came from the livestock producer and athlete communities. They have always said non-lethal coexistence strategies don’t work, and this bill would direct Colorado Parks and Wildlife to reintroduce wolves and provide fair compensation to ranchers for wolf losses. It argued that it undermines Prop. 114, which directed it to pay.
Much of the testimony against the bill was disinformation that created further rifts between communities and stakeholders while undermining the possibility of coexistence. The defunct clothing store’s claim does not hold up. In fact, state wildlife department data shows that the overall elk population in the northern Rocky Mountains has increased since the reintroduction of wolves. Since the reintroduction of wolves, elk license sales (the state wildlife department’s main source of revenue) have actually increased, and elk harvest has followed a similar pattern to the elk population. There was a large increase in Montana and a moderate increase in Wyoming, which is about the same as the elk population in Idaho. .
Sadly, many livestock industry spokespersons have testified that other ranchers have been stripped of the benefit of coexistence funding to implement practices known to prevent livestock-predator conflicts. Years of experience and science have proven that coexistence between native wildlife and livestock is possible through non-lethal coexistence strategies. Non-lethal coexistence methods are available on public lands in the rugged mountains of the Wood River Wolf Project in Idaho and in the Ruby Valley, Gravelly Mountains, Tom Miner Basin, and Blackfoot Challenge in Montana. It has been proven successful in preventing conflicts between livestock and wildlife.
Additionally, the bill would honor the mandate in Proposition 114 (Act. 33-2-105.8) to pay ranchers fair compensation that includes a State Wolf Management Plan multiplier. The bill respected Prop. 114’s directive to use the best science, strengthen and promote coexistence, prevent conflict, and pay reparations. While the livestock industry supports aspects of the bill that provide funding to implement coexistence strategies, it sees coexistence being neglected, and benefits are not available unless they are linked to improved coexistence and husbandry stewardship. shows that it is good.
During the hearing, Rep. Mike Lynch asked why “we think we need to change this right away before we actually have a chance to see the effectiveness of the existing policy.” A common response was that coexistence legislation was needed because of ongoing conflicts in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Producers who have accepted coexistence have suffered little loss, while those who have not, have suffered even greater losses from wolves and other apex carnivores who continue to be killed in retaliation.
We had the opportunity to show that livestock and apex predators can coexist in Colorado. This is a unique opportunity to start anew and avoid falling into the same historical trap of livestock and wildlife being killed. Coloradans can embrace what we’ve learned over the centuries and make ranching sustainable by coexisting with wildlife.
In the big picture, this bill aims to prevent a vicious cycle toward war on predators, fueled by the misinformed rhetoric of those opposed to coexistence. After all, misinformation and inaction have created a culture of hatred and fear, epitomized by the horrific torture and killing of a gray wolf in Wyoming last week. Coloradans can and must do better.
Delia G. Malone is an ecologist and president of Colorado Wild. J. Dallas Gagel is the Wildlife and Tribal Policy Director for the International Wildlife Coexistence Network.
