USDA Killed 317 Wolves Last Year to Protect Big Agriculture
A rarely discussed federal program is wreaking havoc on native wildlife—and wolves are among its primary targets.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services killed 317 wolves and over 58,000 coyotes in 2023 alone. In total, the agency eliminated more than 1.9 million wild animals last year—often through inhumane and indiscriminate methods such as cyanide bombs, poison, neck snares, and aerial gunning.
Why?
To protect the interests of industrial agriculture.
According to the USDA’s own reports, 36% of Wildlife Services’ actions are taken solely to protect livestock and crops. Their $286 million annual budget is largely taxpayer-funded, yet most Americans have no idea their money is supporting the systematic removal—and often brutal killing—of native predators.
These killings don’t just affect individual animals. They fragment wolf families, disrupt ecosystems, and fuel outdated narratives that paint predators as problems instead of ecological necessities.
At Women for Wolves, we believe it’s time to pull back the curtain on Wildlife Services and the true cost of cheap meat. Reducing or eliminating beef from your diet is one of the most powerful ways you can help protect wolves, coyotes, and other targeted species. It sends a clear message: wildlife should not be sacrificed for industry profit.
Take Action
If you care about wolves and want to help end this cycle of destruction, donate to Women for Wolves today. Your support helps us educate the public, advocate for policy change, and protect both wild wolves and captive-bred wolf-dogs who are caught in the crosshairs of misinformation and fear.