Rural Issue

Heavy snow results in few wolf attacks on livestock

A cattle rancher sees a silver lining to the record snowfall Minnesota received in February.

Miles Kuschel operates a beef cow/calf herd in the north-central part of the state and says gray wolves have been feasting on deer this winter.

“I really feel bad for the deer out there (as wolves) have been decimating the herd. But as far as the cattle goes, they haven’t taken any.”

Kuschel has lost cattle to wolf attacks in the past, but tells Brownfield the worst occurrence has been a pack circling (and) harassing a herd.

“But a full-grown cow can fend off a wolf.”

Kuschel tells Brownfield with the start of calving and the deer population dwindling down, he’s becoming very concerned about wolf attacks on his calves.