How climate impacts the composition of wolf‐killed elk in northern Yellowstone National Park

Climate significantly influences the composition of wolf-killed elk in northern Yellowstone National Park, affecting prey population dynamics. The study found that wolves are more likely to kill bulls or calves under specific climatic conditions, such as low snow water equivalent (SWE) and poor vegetation productivity, rather than cows—who are crucial for population reproduction. Over 20 winters, researchers monitored 17 wolf packs, analyzing the sex, age, and nutritional condition of elk kills in early and late winter periods. They discovered that summer plant productivity, SWE, and elk abundance interact to determine whether wolves target bulls, cows, or calves, with climate acting as a key mediator in predation patterns.

Wilmers, C. C., Metz, M. C., Stahler, D. R., Kohl, M. T., Geremia, C., & Smith, D. W. (2020). How climate impacts the composition of wolf‐killed elk in northern Yellowstone National Park. Journal of Animal Ecology, 89(6), 1511–1519. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.13200