Coexisting with Wolves: A Rancher's Story
An Idaho rancher shares his experience of living with cattle in wolf country, and what Colorado ranchers can learn from it.
Glenn Elzinga operates Alderspring Ranch in May, Idaho, a 46,000-acre rangeland with 300 to 400 cattle. After wolves were reintroduced in Idaho in 1995, Elzinga and his wife began losing livestock, considering leaving the industry.
We were totally pissed. We weren’t profitable at that time.
However, inspired by Charles Marion Russell, Elzinga started riding alongside his cattle, guiding their movements, and protecting them from wolf attacks.
A New Strategy
Elzinga's approach has been successful, and he shared his strategy with Aspen Public Radio's Halle Zander, discussing what ranchers can do to protect their livestock in Colorado, where wolves were reintroduced in 2023.
Author's summary: Idaho rancher shares wolf coexistence strategy.