Conservation and Management of Gray Wolves in the USA: Status, Trends, and Future Directions

Abstract

Management of gray wolves (Canis lupus) in the United States ranges from complete protection of threatened or endangered populations to efficient wolf control programs designed to benefit domestic livestock or wild ungulates. Extensive research in nearly all locations where wolves occur has clarified their status and provided a biological basis for management. Most U. S. populations have remained stable or increased during the past 10 years, and efforts are underway to restore wolves in suitable areas where they were extirpated during the 20th century. Current management problems include protection of endangered populations from accidental and illegal hunting and trapping mortality, bio-political aspects of wolf restoration, competition between wolves and humans for ungulates, and preservation of vast, wild areas that wolves require in order to persist Management controversies and bitter battles among opposing interest groups will likely continue to characterize wolf management, but recent efforts toward increased public involvement, conflict resolution, and mediation may prove useful.