The most highly-efficient predator hunting elk is not the wolf. A new study takes a look at wolves’ hunting abilities when it comes to elk, and finds Mother Nature didn’t give wolves the best set of tools, and they would be more successful if they were built more like cats or bears. It's also not uncommon for wolves to be mortally wounded by elk hooves and horns. Wildlife ecologist Dan MacNulty is one of the study’s co-authors...he shares another finding.
MacNulty says wolves do tend to gather in large packs, but the reasons why are unrelated to food…
MacNulty says he’s encountered a general belief that elk are highly vulnerable to wolves – and he’s found that’s clearly not true. He explains why wolves target aging animals
In fact, he found hunting success levels-out with four wolves in a pack. The wolves and elk studied were in Yellowstone National Park.
MacNulty says wolves do tend to gather in large packs, but the reasons why are unrelated to food…
MacNulty says he’s encountered a general belief that elk are highly vulnerable to wolves – and he’s found that’s clearly not true. He explains why wolves target aging animals
In fact, he found hunting success levels-out with four wolves in a pack. The wolves and elk studied were in Yellowstone National Park.
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