One program that was born as a response to environmentalists' concerns is the Predator Friendly certification program for sheep and cattle ranchers. An excerpt from Sierra Magazine, Jan/Feb 1999, explains:

In Montana and Idaho, the Growers' Wool Cooperative has started a Predator Friendly Wool certification program that seeks coexistence with native predators rather than their elimination. Participating ranchers protect their sheep from coyotes, mountain lions, wolves, and bears using non-lethal methods such as enclosed pastures or guard animals like llamas, dogs, and burros. The Predator Friendly Wool eco-label brings a premium to ranchers selling wool or value-added products like blankets and sheepskins.

"The coyote and wolf are part of what makes this region so special," says Becky Weed, a Predator Friendly cofounder who keeps 180 ewes on 160 acres. "If I have to kill all the native species to ranch, then I ought to quit. There are better ways to ranch, and ranching is a hell of a lot better than subdivisions."

For more information about the Predator Friendly project, certification requirements, non-lethal management methods or the markets for Predator Friendly products (hats, mittens, coats, vests and blankets), call (406) 388-4945 or write: