Losses Due to Predation – The livestock industry has consistently been the most vocal and active opponent of wolf recovery. Until recently, the negotiations between livestock growers and environmental conservationists were politically stifled at best.

Livestock growers do incur losses due to predators, but with the instillation of a "Wolf Compensation Trust" by Defenders of Wildlife, ranching interests can be supported in conjunction with the reintroduction of wolves. Since the reintroduction in 1995, wolves in Yellowstone have rarely clashed with ranching interests and predation on livestock has been low. Environmental groups have been praised with putting their money where their mouth is.

The Wolf Compensation Trust – In 1987 The Defenders of Wildlife has administered a trust fund by private donation to compensate ranchers who experience direct losses due to wolf predation, and offer incentive to allow for tolerance of wildlife. The $100,000 fund compensates ranchers at market value for verified losses to wolves. Financial compensation usually occurs within 3 weeks of a reported loss.

List of Payments:

Compensation by Dollar Amount: