Coexisting with Wolves: An Idaho Rancher's Story
An Idaho rancher lives with his cattle in wolf country. Can Colorado ranchers do the same?
Glenn Elzinga operates Alderspring Ranch in May, Idaho — a 46,000-acre rangeland where he grazes 300 to 400 cattle. Shortly after wolves were reintroduced in Idaho in 1995, Elzinga and his wife began losing livestock, and he considered leaving the agricultural industry altogether.
We were totally pissed. We weren’t profitable at that time.
However, inspired by Charles Marion Russell, a painter known for depicting cowboys and their close bond with livestock, Elzinga began riding alongside his cattle, guiding their movements, and protecting them from wolf attacks.
Elzinga 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.