Probable predation by an American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) on a Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) pup in northwestern Wisconsin

Abstract

On 13 June 2023, we noted probable predation by an American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) on a male Gray Wolf (Canislupus) pup in pine barrens of northern Bayfield County, Wisconsin. The wolf pup, which had been captured and radiocollared on 11 May 2023, was detected by mortality signal on 8 June 2023. Predation by black bears has previously been reported on Eastern Wolf (Canis lycaon), but our observation represents the first documentation of probable predation on Gray Wolves of which we are aware