Establishing a credible and reliable compensation program will increase landowner tolerance for bears and increase their prospects for survival. Our experience with wolves has convinced us that this is a practical and effective way to promote conservation. If these officials verify that a grizzly caused the loss, Defenders then contacts the landowner and works with him to determine the market value of the livestock. Once the value is agreed upon, Defenders sends the producer a check. If there is a dispute over the livestock's value, Defenders relies on the judgment of the local county extension agent.
Defenders pays fall value for calves or lambs killed in the spring or summer.