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Conservationists have argued that the presence of wolves and other apex predators, so named because they have no known predators aside from people, can help keep smaller predator species in check. New research shows that in Washington state, the presence of two apex predators wolves and cougars does indeed help keep populations of two smaller predators in check. But by and large the apex predators were not killing and eating the smaller predators, known as mesopredators. Instead, they drove the two mesopredator species bobcats and coyotes into areas with higher levels of human activity. And people were finishing the job.

United statesUniversity of washingtonRebecca windellAaron wirsingSavanah walkerBrian kertsonTaylor ganzLaura prughCalum cunninghamYellowstone national parkNational science foundationWashington department of fishAustralia fulbright programSchool of environmental forest sciencesWashington departmentSpokane tribe