Northern Alberta county sticks with wolf bounty
A northern Alberta county will continue its $300 bounty on wolves despite opposition from some residents who claim the policy is inhumane and a waste of money.
Predators harmful to cattle industry, say producers and county officials
A northern Alberta county will continue its $300 bounty on wolves despite opposition from some residents who claim the policy is inhumane and a waste of money.
The Municipal District of Big Lakes, 400 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, has paid out $90,000 over two years to trappers and hunters on 300 wolves.
MD officials imposed the bounty after ranchers complained they were losing too many cattle to the predators.
About 150 people attended a public meeting in High Prairie, Alta., Monday, with most speaking in favour of continuing the program.
"If you've got a breeding herd under stress from wolves, their conception rate usually drops an extra 15 to 20 per cent just because of the harassment," said Reeve Alvin Billings.