Predators rely on UWR

Predators of all sizes rely on Ungulate Winter Range (UWR) as much as their prey. The concentration of prey in limited quality habitat through the winter makes survival through the winter a little easier on the predators. Grooming trails and building roads generally make it easier for predators to move through UWR to hunt and tips the scales on the already vulnerable ungulates.

These photos show the variety of animals that use high quality UWR, including free ranging domestic dogs. UWR is not only important for ungulates, predators of all sizes rely on it for survival as well.

Recreation in UWR not only creates human disturbance, it supports and elevates the level of predation.

The coles notes:
- Human and domestic dog disturbance in winter range causes ungulates to flee leading to the expenditure of valuable and limited fat stores
- Human recreation infrastructure promotes predation
- Increased activity + increased predation = declining wildlife populations

Land use decisions are an important part of managing for all parts of nature. All of our actions have an impact.