![]() ![]() WDFW monitors the status and trend of ungulate populations in Washington and provides regular updates. State wildlife managers have found no evidence that wolves’ current predation levels have had a discernible effect on Washington’s elk, deer, or moose populations, most of which are growing or stable. ![]() Packs are highly territorial, with an average home range of 140 to 400 miles. They chase their prey across relatively open landscapes. Wolves usually hunt in packs averaging about five individuals, but up to 15 have been observed in Washington. In ungulate herds that have not been exposed to wolves for a time, this can increase the proportion of healthy animals of prime age, leading to higher pregnancy and birth rates. While they may affect abundance in some species, wolves can also play an important role in the environment. In these and other ways, wolves can influence the dynamics of wildlife species across an entire ecosystem, altering predator-prey relationships and even the natural landscape. Studies in other areas have shown that the presence of wolves can reduce coyote populations. They may also compete with other top carnivores such as cougars, bears, and coyotes. Wolves primarily prey on elk, deer, moose, and other ungulates, although they also feed on smaller species such as beaver, mice, squirrels, rabbits, muskrats, marmots, grouse, and even songbirds. Like bears and cougars, they have few competitors and play a prominent role in any ecosystem they inhabit. Gray wolves are an apex species that occupy a top niche in the natural food chain. Monofilament recovery and recycling program. ![]()
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