How often do gray wolves kill livestock?

Gray wolves may kill livestock when the opportunity arises, though many wolves living near livestock rarely, if ever, prey upon them.1

In North America, the number of stock killed is relatively small, though it has been increasing as wolf populations expand their range. By 2018, wolves were estimated to be responsible for the loss of hundreds of heads of cattle and other livestock annually in the United States. In some regions, such as parts of Eurasia, stock losses are higher, and in certain areas, wolves may rely on livestock or human refuse for survival.1

To address concerns from livestock owners, several states have implemented compensation programs for losses where evidence of wolf predation exists. Historically, the perceived threat to livestock was a primary justification for the widespread eradication of wolves across much of the United States, Mexico, and Europe.12