Beyond 4 wolves in a chase, success falls because of “free riders-“

The idea that big wolf packs menace elk more than small ones when it comes to killing them just isn’t so according to a new study of Yellowstone wolves. Researchers found that hunting success falls beyond 4 wolves not because wolves get in the way, but because some of the wolves put in a half hearted effort in the dangerous task. They do share in the rewards of their hunt, however. This behavior is called “free riding” by social scientists who study human behavior. Researchers also found that non-breeding wolves, the less adept hunters in the hunting party, and those who might have to perform an especially dangerous task tend to hang back.

These findings are also completely contrary to the notion that wolves are killing machines that hunt for the sheer joy of killing.

Abstract: “Nonlinear effects of group size on the success of wolves hunting elk.” Behavioral Ecology. November-December 2011 .

Daniel R. MacNultya,

Douglas W. Smith,

L. David Mech,

John A. Vucetich and

Craig Packer