{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"In The NoCo","title":"Could these 180-pound dogs hold the key to protecting livestock from Colorado’s wolves?","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":525,"description":"\nSince 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. \n\nOne promising strategy is the use of very large dogs as livestock guardians.  \n\nEnter: the Turkish Boz Shepherd. \n\nIt'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.  \n\nNow a new pilot program could see more Boz Shepherds protecting livestock in Colorado.  \n\nTracy 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.  \n* * * * *\n\nSign up for the In The NoCo newsletter: Visit KUNC.org\nQuestions? Feedback? Story ideas? Email us: NOCO@KUNC.org\nLike what you're hearing? Help more people discover In The NoCo by rating the show on your favorite podcast app. Thanks!\n \nHost and Producer: Erin O'Toole\nExecutive Producer: Brad Turner\n \nTheme music by Robbie Reverb\nAdditional music by Blue Dot Sessions\nIn The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/deJ82RY9r1q1D4I5ARzsuuMZw17RvtIT7PwnQQPLPzk/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzI5MDcyLzE2OTUw/NzA5NjEtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}