Subsidies from anthropogenic resources alter diet, activity, and ranging behavior of an apex predator (Canis lupus).

ABSTRACT: Acquisition of resources can be costly and individuals are predicted to optimize foraging strategies to maximize net energy gain. Wolves (Canis lupus) would be expected to scavenge on subsidies from anthropogenic resources when these resources provide an energetic benefit over the capture of wild prey. We examined the effects of subsidies from anthropogenic resources in the form of livestock carcass dumps (LCDs) on wolf space use, activity, tortuosity, and diet in portions of North America's northern hardwood/boreal ecosystem. We fitted 19 wolves with global positioning system collars during May-August of 2009-2011 and 2013-2015. Wolves with LCDs within their home ranges used areas adjacent to LCDs greater than non-LCD sites and had decreased home ranges and activity as compared to wolves

SUBMITTER: Petroelje TR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6748928 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature