Author Archives: Nathan Lyle
Extinguishing a Learned Response in a Free-ranging Gray Wolf (Canis lupus)
April 2, 2022
A free-ranging Gray Wolf (Canis lupus), habituated to human presence (the author) on Ellesmere Island, Canada, learned to anticipate experimental feeding by a human, became impatient, persistent, and bold and exhibited stalking behaviour toward the food source. Only after the … read more
Posted in Conflicts, Resources | Tagged arctic, Behaviour, Canis lupus, Ellesmere Island, extinguishing learned behaviour, gray wolf, learned-response, learning
Nonlethal Techniques for Managing Predation: Primary and Secondary Repellents
March 4, 2022
Conservation biology requires the development of practical tools and techniques to minimize conflicts arising from human modification of ecosystems. We applied behavioral theory of primary and secondary repellents to predator management by using aversive stimulus devices (electronic training collars) and … read more
Posted in Non-Lethal Management Tools, Resources
Winter survival and cause-specific mortality of white-tailed deer in northern Minnesota: An update
March 4, 2022
Ongoing studies that examine the influences of environmental, intrinsic, and demographic factors on survival and cause-specific mortality rates of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) have been critical to enhancing our understanding of population performance and to improving management. A recent evaluation … read more
Posted in Deer, Predator/Prey Relationships, Resources
Low-Stress Livestock Handling Protects Cattle in a Five-Predator Habitat
March 4, 2022
Given the ecological importance of top predators, societies are turning to non-lethal methods for coexistence. Coexistence is challenging when livestock are released within wild predator habitats, even when people supervise or use lethal methods. We report a randomized, controlled design … read more
Posted in Non-Lethal Management Tools, Resources | Tagged cattle, ecosystems, experimental evaluation, five-predator habitat, Low-stress livestock, range rider
Of wolves and bears: Seasonal drivers of interference and exploitation competition between apex predators
March 4, 2022
Competition between apex predators can alter the strength of top-down forcing, yet we know little about the behavioral mechanisms that drive competition in multipredator ecosystems. Interactions between predators can be synergistic (facilitative) or antagonistic (inhibitive), both of which are widespread … read more
Posted in Bears, Predator/Prey Relationships, Resources | Tagged Canis lupus, exploitation competition, interference competition, interspecific interactions, Scandinavia, Ursus arctos, yellowstone
Science and Ethics Agree: Coexistence Must Replace Killing Wolves (Part 2)
March 4, 2022
To put it mildly, the ethical deliberations underlying current wolf (and most wildlife) management are inadequate, with short shrift given to the harms caused to all involved. Contrary to some Indigenous perspectives, Euro-North American federal and state agencies do not … read more
Posted in Hunting Wolves, Resources


