Forest Predators

Have you ever seen a bear, a wolf, wild cat or wolverine? Consider yourself lucky if you have. Not only are these animals impressive in their own right but they play an important role in the ecological system and our nation's wildlife heritage.

Take a moment to learn about the natural history of these wildlife species, their habitat needs and preferred prey. Imagine what it would be like to have to hunt for each of your meals or use strategy to steal it away from another animal with sharp claws, teeth or talons. This is the life of the forest predator, not an easy life but their tenacity, strength and adaptability is part of their nature.

The story of the forest predators of the Northern Rockies is not a unique or especially promising one. Some species, including the fisher, lynx, and wolverine, have declined alarmingly in numbers and distribution over the past few decades. Road building, logging, trapping, shooting and inadequate government agency programs to counter these threats have all contributed to predator decline.

Mountain lions and black bears are also experiencing more conflicts with humans as their habitats are developed, especially for lumber, grazing, motorized recreation and residential construction. Collectively, predators in the region primarily exist as remnant populations in isolated pockets of their historic range.

Grizzly bears, wolves and lynx have been the most severely affected, to the point that they have been granted protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In addition, Predator Conservation Alliance and other conservation organizations see the value in protecting predatory wildlife and are seeking ESA protection for the wolverine, fisher and goshawk. But it will take vision and tolerance for humans to effectively coexist with bears, wolves and other predators.