Human Decision-Making as a Key Factor in the Risk of Wolf–Dog Interactions during Outdoor Activities

Abstract

As a result of species protection in Poland, wolves now appear in places that are attractive for human recreation, increasing their exposure to dogs. This creates a risk of spontaneous direct interactions between these two canine species. Aggressive interactions between the gray wolf and the domestic dog lead to human–large predator conflicts. This study examined wolf–dog interactions using data collected in an online questionnaire and included questions related to factors that might influence the likelihood of interactions between these canines. One of the most important factors affecting the likelihood of interaction between a dog and a wolf was the distance between the dog and the human. The number of wolves was also important—the more wolves, the more likely they were to interact with dogs. The risk of interaction also significantly increases with decreasing distance to human settlements. There were also statistical differences in terms of the type of outdoor activity being engaged in. Hunting was seven times more likely to result in a wolf–dog interaction than normal walk. We postulate that the choices made by the human (dog control and type of recreation) caring for the dog are an important factor that can reduce the risk of direct contact between dogs and wolves.

Wolf–Hunting Dog Interactions in a Biodiversity Hot Spot Area in Northern Greece: Preliminary Assessment and Implications for Conservation in the Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest National Park and Adjacent Areas

“…In Wisconsin, United States [ 19 ], more wolf–dog interactions occurred in larger packs. Increased pack size can facilitate predation success under certain conditions [ 90 ], as GLM analysis on severity of attacks showed and as proven from a similar study in Poland [ 50 ].…”

“…According to our results, dog depredation levels can be reduced when (a) hunting is performed in larger teams, (b) dogs are kept at closer distance, and (c) noise is produced with gunshots or other means. Indeed, some hunters already reported a reduction in dog fatalities by incorporating those simple methods also proposed from a recent relevant study in Poland [ 50 ]. Hare hunters appeared to be the most affected in all levels of analysis, as they hunt alone or in small teams, as also reported in Sweden [ 17 ].…”

“…To deal with data deficiency, we interviewed affected hunters, collecting information on dog depredation for a wide period and geographical area. Questionnaire surveys have been extensively used to collect data on large carnivore attacks on livestock [ 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 ] or hunting dogs [ 3 , 18 , 50 ].…”

A Predator on the Doorstep: Kill Site Selection by a Lone Wolf in a Peri-Urban Park in a Mediterranean Area

“…In urban and peri-urban areas the main resources used by wolves were reported to be garbage or remains of slaughtered livestock [37][38][39][40]; however, they could attack and kill livestock [41,42] and pets [26,43,44], especially dogs, by using them as a food resource [45,46]. Furthermore, in Europe during the past decades, ungulates have moved closer to urban areas due to their significant increase [47] and the spread of urban settlements [48].…”

“…(ii) which landscape elements can influence the choice of the predation site; [46] and the position of the study area (small square).…”