Could these 180-pound dogs hold the key to protecting livestock from Colorado’s wolves?

Since Colorado began its wolf reintroduction program two years ago, wildlife officials have worked to stop wolves from attacking livestock. Wherever possible, they’ve tried to use nonlethal methods, from hazing wolves with drones to having “range riders” patrol on horseback. One promising strategy is the use of very large dogs as livestock guardians.  Enter: the Turkish Boz Shepherd. It's a massive dog that can weigh up to 180 pounds. It's formidable enough that ranchers in Montana use Boz to protect their livestock from grizzly bears. Yet, the dog is surprisingly gentle with its owners.  Now a new pilot program could see more Boz Shepherds protecting livestock in Colorado.  Tracy Ross of the Colorado Sun recently wrote about Boz Shepherds, and how the U.S. Department of Agriculture is working with Boz breeders to make the dogs available to ranchers. She joined Erin O’Toole to talk about what makes the Boz so uniquely suited to help ranchers in the high country deal with wolves.  * * * * *Sign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org Questions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: [email protected] Like what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!  Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole Executive Producer: Brad Turner  Theme music by Robbie Reverb Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.