USDA under fire for killing thousands of native animals without proof of livestock threats

Recently an article by NPR revealed that USDA's Wildlife Services program is under scrutiny for killing wild animals, including endangered species, to protect livestock. This photo, obtained from the USDA via the Freedom of Information Act, shows a poor wolf in a trap laid by a Wildlife Services employee. While officials claim they only target animals directly harming livestock, investigations reveal that animals such as wolves are often killed without evidence of recent livestock damage. Shockingly, over 11,000 wild animals were killed in Montana alone from 2019 to 2022, including wolves coyotes and grizzly bears-animals protected under the Endangered Species Act.

This issue highlights a significant need for reform in wildlife management practices to ensure both farmers and wildlife are respected. Help raise awareness for #WolfAwarenessWeek by sharing this post and standing up for better protections for our wild animals! Read the article here.