FACTS ABOUT WOLVES

Myth #1: Wolves attack people

FACT: There has never been a confirmed case of a healthy wild wolf attack on a human being in North America. However wolves that have become tame/habituated to people have been known to bite people on occasion, particularly if food is nearby.

Myth #2: Wolves are eating all the elk

FACT: Elk numbers are at an all-time high in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Wolves make elk hunting more difficult by keeping the herds moving. This is both good for the health of the land and the health of the elk. Hunters’ success rates remain stable.

Myth #3: Wolves are killing all the sheep and cattle

FACT: Wolves are responsible for less than 1% of all livestock mortalities and ranchers can be reimbursed for losses attributed to wolves.

WOLVES HELP YELLOWSTONE ECOSYSTEMS

Strengthen ungulates – Wolves cull sick, old and genetically inferior elk and deer, allowing the healthiest individuals to breed and perpetuate their species. Wolves are the only predator in North America that do this.

Feed other animals – The remains of a carcass left behind, unfinished by wolves, help feed grizzly bears, bald eagles, wolverines and many other scavengers.

Improve riparian areas – Wolves have redistributed the elk herds allowing vegetation to recover along rivers and streams. More willows and aspens provide food for beavers. More beaver ponds benefit aquatic plants and animals. Shade from the trees cools the water making the habitat better for trout.

Decrease coyote populations – Wolves kill coyotes; rodent populations increase, benefiting struggling birds of prey. Also, with fewer coyotes, pronghorn antelope calves are less likely to be preyed upon.

Boost ecotourism – Wolves draw 150,000 new visitors each year = $35 million added to the local economy.

Living with Wolves

PO Box 896

Sun Valley, ID 83353