Study: Humans cause 65% of Upper Midwest wolf deaths
A new study finds humans cause about 65% of wolf deaths in the Upper Midwest. Researchers say this pattern holds even after recent federal law changes aimed at changing wolf protections and management. FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul reported on the study and its conclusion.
The finding suggests human activity is the leading source of regional wolf deaths. That outcome may prompt wildlife managers and lawmakers to reassess policies and monitoring to better measure where and why wolves are dying.
The FOX 9 brief did not include detailed methods or a full breakdown of causes, so readers should consult the full study for sample sizes, time frame and precise causes.
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📌 Key Facts
- Study tracked hundreds of wolves across Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin and found 65% of recorded deaths were human-caused.
- Illegal killings accounted for 38% of all recorded wolf deaths, legal killings 14%, and vehicle collisions 10%.
- Only 19% of wolves died from natural causes, with 16% classified as unknown-cause deaths.
- Illegal wolf killings peaked in mid‑November during deer hunting season.
- Researchers conclude federal protections have not successfully deterred poaching or reduced illegal kill rates, and note periods of legal wolf hunting have been correlated with *increased* illegal killing.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
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April 20, 2026