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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.