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Riley, S.J.; Nesslage, G.M.; Maurer, B.A.
Dynamics of early wolf and cougar eradication efforts in Montana: implications for conservation
2004 Biological Conservation (119): 575-579
Bounty records from Montana (1902-1930) were used to better understand spatial and temporal response of wolves (_Canis lupus_) and cougars (_Puma concolor_) to an eradication program. Number of payments for wolves declined from a high of 4116 in 1903 to 0 by 1928. Numbers of cougar pelts fluctuated, but generally declined from 177 in 1908 to 2 in 1930. An inverse spatial relationship existed between density of payments for wolves and cougars. Payments for wolves were greatest in the Prairie ecoregion, while payments for cougars were greatest in the Montane. The ratio of pup to adult wolves also was greatest in the Prairie ecoregion and least in the montane. If distribution and frequency of bounty payments were a reflection of the distribution and abundance of wolves, populations were highest and most productive in areas where they currently do not occur.
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