Wolf predation patterns following recent recolonization in a multi-predator, multi-prey system

Predator-prey interactions are among the most fundamental of ecological relationships. Recolonizing gray wolf (Canis lupus Linnaeus, 1758) populations present new challenges for wildlife management in multi-prey, multi-carnivore systems. We documented diet composition and kill rates for wolves in a recently recolonized area over winter and summer seasons (2014-2015). Elk (Cervus canadensis (Erxleben, 1777)) were the primary ungulate prey (63%) located at wolf kill sites. Deer (mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus (Rafinesque, 1817)) and white-tailed deer (O. virginianus (Zimmermann, 1780)) were less prevalent than elk in wolf diets, but the amount of deer in diets (40-50%) varied by pack and season. Juvenile elk were the most prevalent class of prey in wolf diets during summer (63.3%) and winter (36.3%), with adult elk (32.5%) observed nearly as often as juveniles in winter. Kill rates varied by season, with rates 2.3 times higher in summer (x ̅= 3.5 ungulates/week/pack) than winter (x ̅ = 1.5 ungulates/week/pack), consistent with increased availability and use of neonate prey. Prey biomass acquisition did not vary by pack or season (summer = 243 kg/week/pack; winter = 182 kg/week/pack). Our study quantified predation patterns for a recolonizing wolf population, and patterns we documented were similar to other multi-prey systems in North America.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author