Shock collars as a site‐aversive conditioning tool for wolves

• Published in: Wildlife Society Bulletin
• Main Authors: Rossler, Shawn T., Gehring, Thomas M., Schultz, Ronald N., Rossler, Michael T., Wydeven, Adrian P., Hawley, Jason E.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2012
• Subjects: Canis lupus
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/wsb.93; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1002%2Fwsb.93; http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/wol1/doi/10.1002/wsb.93/fullpdf

Abstract Reduction of livestock losses from predators is a complex problem that requires the integration of lethal and nonlethal management tools. During 2005 and 2006, we tested shock collars for conditioning wild wolves ( Canis lupus ) in Wisconsin, USA, to avoid bait sites over an 80‐day period. Treatment wolves ( n = 10) visited shock zones less and spent less time at shock zones compared to control wolves ( n = 4) during 40‐day shock periods and 40‐day post‐shock periods. Treatment wolves remained away from shock zones for a greater number of days compared to control wolves. A smaller proportion of treatment pack members visited shock zones during shock and post‐shock periods compared to control packs. Shock collars conditioned treatment wolves to avoid bait sites for >40 days and reduced visitation by other pack members. We also demonstrated the application of shock collars at the scale of livestock farms. Shock collars could serve as a useful nonlethal tool for managing livestock depredations, particularly in chronic problem areas and with endangered populations. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.