ONTONAGON, MI (AP)-- A published report says Michigan taxpayers paid more than $200,000 to help an Upper Peninsula farmer protect his cattle from wolves.
MLive.com on Wednesday reported the estimate, citing documents it reviewed. The news organization says much is in administrative time and field work, in addition to about $38,000 in cash for cattle-loss claims and other assistance.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources officials have said John Koski's heavy livestock losses weren't the primary reason for last year's first wolf hunt in Michigan since the animal was placed on the endangered species list nearly four decades ago.
Last year, Koski was charged with animal cruelty involving donkeys provided by state officials to protect his cattle from wolves.