Wolf recolonization of European and North American agricultural areas requires effective non-lethal livestock protection methods to reduce conflict and support coexistence.
Wolf-livestock conflict creates welfare impacts for both wolves and livestock. Wolves killed in retaliation suffer accordingly. Livestock killed by wolves suffer traumatic deaths and injuries. Wolves that learn to predate livestock become problem animals that are typically killed, losing their lives as a result of human land use patterns. Non-lethal protection measures can significantly reduce depredation. Livestock guardian dogs from traditional breeds are highly effective when properly trained and matched to herd size. Electrified fladry creates a conditioned avoidance response. Penning livestock at night protects against the majority of attacks which occur in the dark. Compensation programs must move quickly and be sufficient to cover actual losses to incentivize tolerance. Attractants including carcasses left in the open should be removed to reduce wolf presence near livestock.