We believe in coexisting with predators.
We are privileged to use a wild, largely unspoiled landscape, and we seek to coexist with all kinds of wildlife, including wolves and other predators. Since 2002, Lava Lake and its partners have been at the forefront of developing approaches to prevent conflicts between wolves and livestock. In 2008, we helped form the Wood River Wolf Project, a groundbreaking collaboration between ranchers, land managers, and conservationists. Defenders of Wildlife named us a Hero for Wildlife for these efforts. In 2015 the Lava Lake Institute for Science & Conservation took over management of the Wood River Wolf Project and acted as the fiscal agent until 2021.
Visit the Wood River Wolf Project’s website to learn more about our coexistence efforts: https://www.woodriverwolfproject.org/
Paco, a guard dog, protects his flock in the high country.
Laying out non-lethal deterrents before bringing them to herders in areas with wolf presence.
Future livestock guardian dog superstar!
Howl survey equipment in the Pioneer Mountains.
Barking is the first line of defense against predators.
Old pals. There are often 3-5 guard dogs per sheep band when wolf presence is high.
Great Pyrenees puppies!
The bond between herders and their dogs is strong.
Wolf country in the Pioneer Mountains.