Gray wolf habitat use in response to visitor activity along roadways in Yellowstone National Park

Gray wolves in Yellowstone National Park adjust their habitat use in response to visitor activity, particularly along roadways. Research found that wolves tend to avoid areas closer to roads during the day and peak visitation periods, especially in summer, indicating a behavioral shift likely due to human presence. While prey availability did not significantly influence this pattern, the degree of road avoidance varied among wolf packs, with some becoming more tolerant to human activity—potentially increasing their vulnerability to human-related risks if they venture outside the park. The study used seasonal and diel-specific step selection functions (SSFs) to analyze these patterns from 1979 to 2017, providing insights that could guide adaptive management strategies to conserve natural wolf behavior amid rising visitation.

Anton, C. B., Smith, D. W., Suraci, J. P., Stahler, D. R., Duane, T. P., & Wilmers, C. C. (2020). Gray wolf habitat use in response to visitor activity along roadways in Yellowstone National Park. Ecosphere, 11(6). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.3164