Contemporary Livestock–Predator Themes Identified Through a Wyoming, USA Rancher Survey

Abstract

Livestock-predator interactions structure ranchers' perceptions of predators. We surveyed 274 ranchers in Wyoming using open-answer questions about contemporary livestock-predator themes. Four themes emerged: 1) difficulty mitigating losses from protected large carnivores; 2) escalating impacts of predatory birds on livestock and wildlife; 3) sustainability of predator management funding; and 4) continual bureaucratic complexities of predator management. Themes had an underlying thread regarding the tension between state control versus federal control including concern about growing predator populations that may affect both livestock and native wildlife such as greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus).