Our findings fit with earlier research that characterizes humans as “ super predators.” People use modern technologies such as firearms and steel traps to kill small predators at far higher rates than other predators kill small predators. We found that humans were the greatest cause of mortality, killing these smaller predators at more than three times the rate that large carnivores did. When coyotes and bobcats sought refuge near people, they instead encountered a more lethal source of danger. In parts of the landscape with large predators around, both coyotes and bobcats moved to areas with approximately double the human influence, potentially using humans as shields. Coyotes strongly avoided wolves, which brought them closer to humans. We found that wolves and cougars avoided areas heavily influenced by humans, such as busy roads and residential areas. Video produced by Benjamin Drummond and Sarah Joy Steele.
How researchers from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife attach GPS collars to wolves.
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