Wolves’ return has had only small impact on deer populations in NE Washington, study shows

A new study shows that wolves in Washington state are not having much of an impact on white-tailed deer, one of their primary prey. In a paper published June 18, scientists report that the biggest factor shaping white-tailed deer populations in northeast Washington is the quality of habitat available. Cougars were second in their impact. Wolves were a distant third.

Wolves reintroduced to Isle Royale temporarily affect other carnivores, humans have influence as well

In a rare opportunity to study carnivores before and after wolves were reintroduced to their ranges, researchers from the University of Wisconsin–Madison found that the effects of wolves on Isle Royale have been only temporary. And even in the least-visited national park, humans had a more significant impact on carnivores’ lives.

Out of the frying pan: Coyotes, bobcats move into human-inhabited areas to avoid apex predators — only to be killed by people

In Washington state, the presence of two apex predators — wolves and cougars — drives two mesopredator species — bobcats and coyotes — into areas with higher levels of human activity, with deadly results for the mesopredators.

Hunting, hidden deaths led to estimated 30% reduction in Wisconsin’s wolf population

About 100 additional wolves died over the winter in Wisconsin as a result of the delisting of grey wolves under the Endangered Species Act, alongside the 218 wolves killed by licensed hunters during Wisconsin’s first public wolf hunt, according to new research. A majority of these additional, uncounted deaths are due to “cryptic poaching,” where poachers hide evidence of illegal killings.