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Wolves make roadways safer, generating large economic returns to predator conservation

Author

Listed:
  • Jennifer L. Raynor

    (Department of Economics, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT 06459)

  • Corbett A. Grainger

    (Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706)

  • Dominic P. Parker

    (Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706)

Abstract

Recent studies uncover cascading ecological effects resulting from removing and reintroducing predators into a landscape, but little is known about effects on human lives and property. We quantify the effects of restoring wolf populations by evaluating their influence on deer–vehicle collisions (DVCs) in Wisconsin. We show that, for the average county, wolf entry reduced DVCs by 24%, yielding an economic benefit that is 63 times greater than the costs of verified wolf predation on livestock. Most of the reduction is due to a behavioral response of deer to wolves rather than through a deer population decline from wolf predation. This finding supports ecological research emphasizing the role of predators in creating a “landscape of fear.” It suggests wolves control economic damages from overabundant deer in ways that human deer hunters cannot.

Suggested Citation

  • Jennifer L. Raynor & Corbett A. Grainger & Dominic P. Parker, 2021. "Wolves make roadways safer, generating large economic returns to predator conservation," Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 118(22), pages 2023251118-, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:nas:journl:v:118:y:2021:p:e2023251118
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    Cited by:

    1. Sugiarto, Wisnu, 2022. "The Impact of Wildlife Crossing Structures on Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions," 2022 Annual Meeting, July 31-August 2, Anaheim, California 322205, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    2. Frank, Eyal G. & Sudarshan, Anant, 2022. "The Social Costs of Keystone Species Collapse : Evidence From The Decline of Vultures in India," The Warwick Economics Research Paper Series (TWERPS) 1433, University of Warwick, Department of Economics.

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