Discarded carrion of poultry lures wolves to farms

Abstract The improper disposal of livestock carcasses can significantly affect wolf Canis lupus predation on wild ungulates and cause conflicts with humans, yet this issue remains understudied. We used GPS-GSM telemetry, camera trapping, genetics, and scat analysis to examine the diet, activity patterns, territory size, behavior, and health of wolves that fed on poultry carcasses on farms in two distant locations in Poland. The studied packs lived in contrasting habitats regarding forest cover, farmland percentage, roads, and human population density. In these areas, wolves faced road mortality and poaching. Additionally, several young from the same litter suffered from fungal and bacterial skin infections acquired on the poultry farm. Wolves, mainly juveniles, frequently visited poultry farms, especially at night, scavenging on dumped poultry carcasses. Although wild ungulates made up most of the wolves’ diet biomass, they also ate medium-sized wild mammals, dogs, and cats. Poultry remains were found in a quarter of the wolf scats collected in both areas. Our research shows that inadequate protection and illegal disposal of poultry carcasses within and near farms attract wolves, especially juveniles still reliant on adult-provided food. Consequently, such wolf family groups may expand their home ranges to include human-associated food sources, thereby increasing the risk of predation on pets and conflicts with people. Foraging on poultry carrion exposes wolves to various pathogens, causing infections that impact their health and behavior. Better protection of poultry farms from wildlife access and proper carcass management are essential for improved coexistence between farmers and large carnivores.