Posted by Ranger Janet (165.83.6.33) on March 14, 2002 at 11:45:29:
In Reply to: elk posted by Aaron H. on March 14, 2002 at 09:57:51:
: How many elk are killed a year by wolves?
Good question, Aaron. Wolves do like elk, that is for their dinner. In Yellowstone, 90% of their prey is elk: 40% calves, 30-35% cows, and 10-22% bulls. In winter, a wolf pack will kill an average of 9-14 elk per months. When wolves kill an elk, ravens arrive almost immediately. Coyotes arrive soon after, waiting nearby until the wolves are full. Bears are not so patient and will attempt to chase the wolves away and are usually successful. Many other animals--from magpies to foxes--dine on the elk remains. So you can see, wolves do provide a bounty of food for a variety of animals in Yellowstone.