Abstract
The historic range of gray wolves (Canis lupus) in Utah was essentially statewide. Although their presence cannot be disputed, the historic abundance of wolves in Utah is unknown. The release of gray wolves into Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho in 1995 established growing populations, and increasing dispersal is bringing these wolves closer to Utah. It seems likely that wolves will commingle with Utah's other native mammals in the near future. The potential presence of wolves in Utah is generating a series of questions and debates. In this report, we review the potential of wolves in Utah and make predictions regarding the social and economic impacts of wolf recolonization on the livestock industry, on hunter success, and on wildlife managers, and then make recommendations on possible ways to mitigate these impacts.
Recommended Citation
Switalski, T. Adam; Simmons, Trey; Duncan, Shiree L.; Chavez, Andreas S.; and Schmidt, Robert H.
(2002)
"Wolves in Utah: An analysis of potential impacts and recommendations for management,"
Natural Resources and Environmental Issues: Vol. 10, Article 1.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/nrei/vol10/iss1/1
