![]() ![]() ![]() Hunting is a way of life in West Virginia. This closure made it possible for students to hunt with their families when deer season opened at the beginning of that week. Many of my friends would spend the next two weeks in the woods hunting with their families, hoping to kill a buck with a large rack.īecause most of the students would have skipped classes anyway, many schools closed their doors the week of Thanksgiving. It was a big deal when deer season opened in late November, usually the Monday before Thanksgiving. My father didn’t hunt but nearly everyone else I knew did. I remember all the excitement surrounding the beginning of deer season each year. One of those memories came to mind recently while reading an article on the influence of wolf predation on the health of moose herds. I have many fond memories of growing up in the Mountain State. It has even been observed that weaker wolves have a diet while hunting and the large prey they target can be very dangerous.If there is any place in this world I call home, it’s the hills of West Virginia. Wolves live in the wild and are killed by many different things, not just other predators. While wolves are at the top of the food chain, they can still be killed by other predators, though this isn’t as common as you might think. There are several animals that prey on wolves, such as bears, tigers, lions, coyotes, other scavengers, humans, and even wolves themselves. Most people tend to think of wolves as much bigger and stronger than they actually are. It’s typically when a lone wolf is hunting, that they’re killed by other predators. When alone, wolves are not as strong though. This pack works together to bring down large prey by attacking it from different angles. The size of a wolf pack ranges from 2 to 20 animals, but the average size is 6 to 8 members. Wolves are social animals that live in packs. A group of wolves can take down prey much larger than they could individually. The biggest advantage that wolves have over other predators is their pack mentality and structure. In rare cases, humans also hunt wolves for their fur.īy understanding the role of wolves in the food chain, we can better protect these iconic animals and the ecosystems they inhabit. For example, cougars and bears may kill adult wolves, while coyotes and foxes often prey on wolf pups. However, they will also eat smaller prey if it is available.Īlthough wolves are not typically killed by other predators, they can still be vulnerable to attack. They primarily eat large ungulates (hooved animals), such as deer, elk, and moose. Wolves are apex predators, meaning they sit on top of the food chain and have no natural enemies besides other predators.Īs wolves are apex predators, they prey on other animals, typically herbivores. They’re often hurt when hunting, but fatality is less frequent. Wolves are not the most careful animals, so they can easily get hurt or even killed in accidents. Rabies is perhaps the most well-known disease that affects wolves, but there are many others that can kill them as well.Īccidents also claim the lives of many wolves. They can contract diseases from both animals and humans. Especially wolf pups die due to sickness. However, many of these animals don’t always engage in aggressive interactions, as they’re aware of the risks.ĭiseases are a common cause of death for wolves. They’re also killed by diseases, accidents, or even by the prey they hunt, such as elk or bison Wolves can be killed by other predators, including coyotes, bears. Related: What are wolves’ enemies? What Kills Wolves in the Wild? When left unchecked, overpopulation can have a negative impact on the environment, including overgrazing. By preying on weak and sick animals, wolves help keep populations of ungulates (hoofed mammals) healthy and check. Wolves’ position at the top of the food chain means that they play an important role in maintaining ecosystem balance. Wolves natural enemies are the ones mentioned in this article: Wolves sit atop the food chain, however they do have enemies. Wolves have been hunted by man for centuries, and they continue to be killed in large numbers today, even though it’s illegal in many countries. Humans are known to kill wolves for sport, food, and fur. Humans are one of the top predators of wolves, and wolves know this. ![]()
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