Wolf Predation, Wolf Control and the Management of Ungulate Populations

Abstract

Wolf (Canis lupus) predation is a major limiting factor of many ungulate populations in North America. Predation by wolves can be density-dependent and regulate prey populations at low densities. In some situations, wolf predation can eliminate prey populations. In the past, large-scale wolf control programs, which exterminated or greatly reduced wolf populations, apparently resulted in increased ungulate populations. Recent, small-scale wolf control programs often increased survival rates of prey populations, but most of those programs were terminated before a prey population increase could be clearly demonstrated. It appears that if wolf control is to be used to maintain increased ungulate populations, the control must be ongoing due to the rapid recolonization and numerical response of wolves. Ongoing wolf control could potentially increase both prey and wolf numbers over the long term by preventing wolves form reducing their prey to low numbers. Although wolf control has the potential to increase prey (and possibly wolf) numbers, its use is severely limited by technical constraints and public opposition. Effective, ongoing wolf control programs are often technically and financially unfeasible. Wolf control programs encounter severe public opposition due to animal-rights concerns for the wolf and opposition to human manipulation of natural ecosystems.