Interactions between cougars (Puma concolor) and gray wolves (Canis lupus) in Banff National Park, Alberta

摘要: ABSTRACT Large carnivore populations are recovering in many protected areas North America, but the effect of increasing numbers on existing predator–prey and predator–predator interactions is poorly understood. We studied diet spatial overlap among cougars (Puma concolor) gray wolves (Canis lupus) Banff National Park, Alberta (1993–2004) to evaluate how wolf recovery park influenced choice space use patterns resident cougars. Cougars (n =13) (n= 8 2 packs) were monitored intensively over 3 winters (2000–2001 2002–2003) via radio telemetry snowtracking. documented a 65% decline local elk population following arrival wolves, with concurrently switching from winter primarily constituted one consisting mainly deer other alternative prey. Elk also became less important diet, this latter switch lagged 1 y behind that Wolves responsible for cougar mortality usurpi...