Wolves have been hunting elk for thousands of years. They’ve evolved to become the perfect hunter. But most people don’t think about the fact that the elk have been running away from wolves for just as long and have gotten just as good at that. In fact, wolves are actually successful in catching their prey … Read more
The eradication of the wolf from the lower 48 United States was a tragedy. But there was one benefit that came from it – it taught us why we can never let it happen again. As natural predators, wolves play a critical role of managing ungulate species, a role that cannot be replaced and that … Read more
The impact of wolves on elk populations goes beyond direct predation. Wolves don’t just hunt elk. They change their behavior, influencing everything from grazing patterns to birthing rates, all of which have far-reaching effects on the ecosystem around them. Changes in Behavior The presence of wolves on the landscape affects when and where elk choose … Read more
One of the most common arguments in discussions of wolf management is the idea that wolves are decimating the elk population. It’s a logical thought. Wolves eat elk. More wolves must mean less elk. This conclusion has shaped our wildlife management practices as well as our public perception of the wolf. But a lot has … Read more
