Wolf Control

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A wolf attack is an attack on a human by a wolf or wolves. Under normal
circumstances, wild wolves are generally timid around humans. Wolves
usually try to avoid contact with people, to the point of even abandoning
their kills when an approaching human is detected, though there are several
reported circumstances in which wolves have been recorded to act
aggressively toward humans.

Compared to other carnivorous mammals known to attack humans in
general, the frequency with which wolves have been recorded to kill people
is much lower, indicating that though potentially dangerous, wolves are
among the least threatening for their size and predatory potential.

The ability of wolves to kill cattle, sheep, poultry, and other livestock is well documented (Young and Goldman 1944,
Carbyn 1983, Fritts et al. 1992). From 1975 through 1986 an average of 21 farms out of 7,200 (with livestock) in the
Minnesota wolf range suffered verified losses annually to wolves (Fritts et al. 1992). In more recent years, 50 to 60 farms
annually have been affected by wolf depredations in Minnesota. Domestic dogs and cats are also occasionally killed and
eaten by gray wolves.

In many instances, wolves live around livestock without causing damage or causing only occasional damage. In other
instances, wolves prey on livestock and cause significant, chronic losses at individual operations. In Minnesota, wolf
depredation on livestock is seasonal, most losses occurring between April and October, when livestock are on summer
pastures. Livestock are confined to barnyards in the winter months, and therefore are less susceptible to predation.

Cattle, especially calves, are the most common livestock taken. Wolves are capable of killing adult cattle but seem less
inclined to do so if calves are available. Attacks usually involve only one or two cattle per event. Depredation on sheep or
poultry often involves surplus killing. In Minnesota, wolf attacks on sheep may leave several (up to 35) individuals killed or
injured per night. Attacks on flocks of domestic turkeys in Minnesota have resulted in nightly losses of 50 to 200 turkeys.

Wolf attacks on livestock are similar to attacks on wild ungulates. A wolf chases its prey, lunging and biting at the
hindquarters and flanks. Attacks on large calves, adult cattle, or horses are characterized by bites and large ragged
wounds on the hindquarters, flanks, and sometimes the upper shoulders (Roy and Dorrance 1976). When the prey is
badly wounded and falls, a wolf will try to disembowel the animal. Attacks on young calves or sheep are characterized by
bites on the throat, head, neck, back, or hind legs.