Wolf Presence Disrupts Seasonal Variation in Hair Cortisol Among Free‐Ranging Beef Cattle

= 158 samples) and used Bayesian multilevel regression to test for effects of wolf presence. Wolf-exposed herds showed a 58% reduction in temperature sensitivity compared to unexposed herds (where cortisol decreased 13.5% per 1°C), suggesting altered seasonal cortisol regulation. These preliminary results point toward a potential physiological mechanism by which predator reintroduction may indirectly affect prey, with implications for understanding how recovering carnivores could influence prey physiology, animal welfare, and productivity.