YNP wolves have experiences three major CDV outbreaks in the years 1999, 2005, and 2008 and resulting pup survival averaged ~28%. CDV causes significant host mortality, specifically in pups, and induces life-long immunity. This generalist virus causes a wide range of symptoms, typically starting as an upper respiratory tract infection, and then moving to the gastrointestinal tract, urogenital tract, and eventually the central nervous system. In total, four major disease outbreaks, caused by two different pathogens, have caused large population declines Although YNP wolves host a suite of pathogens, we have focused on canine distemper virus (CDV) and mange (Sarcoptes scabiei) because they are known to cause morbidity and mortality.ĬDV (Canine morbillivirus) is an RNA virus related to measles. 5 of the 6 years with population growth rates <1 are years with known infections in the population. In addition, disease may be a regulating factor in the YNP wolf population. A rich, long-term data set (1995-present) and intensive disease monitoring provide an unparalleled research opportunity. The Yellowstone National Park (YNP) wolf population is an ideal subject for investigating the effects of social structure on disease. Infectious disease in wildlife populations is often difficult to study for numerous reasons, such as inability to measure an infection through time, too short of a study duration to quantify dynamics, and unknown contact patterns that correlate with transmission events. The USGS NOROCK effort, in collaboration with the Yellowstone Wolf Project, has been focused on assessing the impacts of disease on the wolf population. “That just doesn’t make sense,” he said.Much of the wolf research to date has focused on predator-prey interactions, population dynamics and social behavior. Minard questioned whether the 20 wolves killed so far this year after leaving Yellowstone should even be considered “park wolves.” But once the animals cross the boundary, sustainable hunting and trapping should be allowed, said Montana Outfitters and Guides Association Executive Director Mac Minard. Protections for the region’s wolves were lifted a decade ago, based in part on assurances the states would maintain viable wolf populations.Ī representative of the hunting industry said outfitters and guides support the preservation of wolves inside Yellowstone. Rockies states including Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. Fish and Wildlife Service said it would examine if federal endangered species protections should be restored for more than 2,000 wolves in northern U.S. The changes came after hunters and ranchers successfully lobbied to reduce wolf populations that prey on big game herds and occasionally on livestock.īut the states’ increased aggression toward the predators has raised concerns among federal wildlife officials. Montana’s efforts to make it easier to kill wolves mirror recent actions by Republicans and conservatives in other states such as Idaho and Wisconsin. The original quotas were meant to protect packs that draw tourists to Yellowstone from around the world for the chance to see a wolf in the wild. The quotas, which Sholly asked Gianforte to reinstate, allowed only a few wolves to be killed along the border annually. They also eliminated longstanding wolf quota limits in areas bordering the park. Urged by Republican lawmakers, Montana wildlife officials last year loosened hunting and trapping rules for wolves statewide. “Allowances for trapping and especially baiting are a major concern, especially if these tactics lure wolves out of the park,” Yellowstone spokesperson Morgan Warthin said. Under new rules, Montana hunters can use bait such as meat to lure in wolves for killing and trappers can now use snares in addition to leghold traps.
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