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  3. Will red ribbons deter wolves from livestock?

Will red ribbons deter wolves from livestock?

This Sept. 13, 2004 file photo shows wildlife Biologist Linda Thurston of Defenders of Wildlife untangling a string of fladry, a non-lethal system for protecting livestock from wolves, on a ranch in the Paradise Valley, Mont. Research shows the flags, often backed up by an electriclaly charged wire, somehow make wolves less likely to cross the line, offering protection for livestock that are bunched up at calving time. For the past year, ranchers in Oregon have had to rely on non-lethal systems like fladry, because a temporary court order has barred wildlife officials from killing wolves that attack livestock. Though the numbers of wolves has risen to 46, the numbers of livetock attacks are down. (Garrett Cheen / Ap Photo By Garrett Cheen/the Livingston Enterprise) )
This Sept. 13, 2004 file photo shows wildlife Biologist Linda Thurston of Defenders of Wildlife untangling a string of fladry, a non-lethal system for protecting livestock from wolves, on a ranch in the Paradise Valley, Mont. Research shows the flags, often backed up by an electriclaly charged wire, somehow make wolves less likely to cross the line, offering protection for livestock that are bunched up at calving time. For the past year, ranchers in Oregon have had to rely on non-lethal systems like fladry, because a temporary court order has barred wildlife officials from killing wolves that attack livestock. Though the numbers of wolves has risen to 46, the numbers of livetock attacks are down. (Garrett Cheen / Ap Photo By Garrett Cheen/the Livingston Enterprise) )

ENDANGERED SPECIES -- Some pro-wolf groups say hanging red ribbons on fences around pastures will protect cattle from wolf attacks. 

The theory is getting another test this spring in the Wenatchee area, site of the most recently documented new wolf pack in Washington.

Question: Does this mean the end of the open range?

Let's just say there could possibly mean a BIG MARKET for red ribbon in the West.

See the KING 5 TV report and video.

Rich Landers
Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.

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