Wolves Use Diverse Tactics to Track Partially Migratory Prey

Shawler et al. highlight dynamic predator responses to prey with variable migratory behavior. Wolves tracked partially migratory elk using diverse movement tactics, including migratory coupling. Some wolves moved young pups to homesites closer to migratory elk summer range, challenging assumptions about escaping predation as a benefit of ungulate migration.

• Wolves used diverse movement tactics to track partially migratory elk
• Migratory packs with pups shifted homesites toward migratory elk summer range
• Migratory ungulates may not be able to escape predators exhibiting migratory coupling
• Shifting ungulate migrations may impact predator movements and ecosystem dynamics