Sen. Blakespear pushes wildlife coexistence program; rural senators warn of livestock impacts

Sen. Blakespear presented SB 11 35 as a measure to restart a statewide wildlife coexistence program within the Department of Fish and Wildlife aimed at supporting proactive, nonlethal measures to reduce human–wildlife conflicts. "By emphasizing proactive nonlethal measures that reduce the harm associated with wildlife confrontations, we can create a safe environment for everyone," Blakespear said.

Sen. Grove rose in opposition on behalf of rural senators and ranching communities, saying wolves and mountain lions are threatening families and livestock and that the bill expands Department authority without dedicated funding. "There's no funding for this program," Grove told colleagues, adding that rural communities already face economic strain from predator pressures and increased administrative burdens to verify predator kills.

Blakespear responded that the program intends to promote human–wildlife coexistence and could be funded by the state in the future; she pointed to an 84 percent decrease in black-bear removals where similar nonlethal programs were used. The measure proceeded to a roll-call on the daily file.