MN SF2989

Livestock owners are compensated by the commissioner of agriculture for livestock destroyed or crippled by gray wolves, with claims ranging from $100 to $20,000 in value per fiscal year.

Personal inspection of incident sites must be conducted by a university extension agent, conservation officer, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service official, or county sheriff's peace officer, with a detailed report and photographs submitted to the commissioner.

Fair market value of destroyed livestock is determined by the commissioner upon recommendation from inspecting officials, who must consider factors beyond visual identification of the carcass.

Compensation may be denied if the livestock owner fails to adopt best management practices developed by the commissioner, with the commissioner required to provide itemized notice of any deficiencies.

Denial of compensation claims is not subject to contested case review procedures but may be appealed through trial de novo in the county court where the loss occurred, with court review available upon petition filed within 60 days.