Yes it can. Killing wolves breaks up packs. Smaller packs have harder time successfully bringing down large prey. Therefore, smaller packs are often forced to find prey that’s easier to kill, such as livestock.
The presence of animals that died from natural causes draws predators into areas with livestock. When possible, ranchers can help keep wolves and all other scavengers away by removing the carcasses of dead livestock instead of leaving them on rangeland. Photo: Matt Moyer
Wild grazing animals find safety in numbers and protective mothers keep their young close. Timing the birth of calves to keep cow-calf pairs together longer is another technique used to keep calves safe from carnivores.
Range rider, keeping watch over his herds and flocks
Range riders, once a part of traditional ranching operations, are again being used to monitor the movements of predators and livestock on the open range.
Wolves kill coyotes, so rodent populations increase, benefiting struggling birds of prey. Also, with fewer coyotes, pronghorn antelope calves are less likely to be preyed upon.
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.