Rates and Spatial Patterns of Decline in Historical Cougar and Wolf Populations in Montana

Abstract

We characterized spatial patterns of decline of cougar (Puma concolor) and wolf ( Canis lupus) in response to exploitation at the county level and estimated rates of decline using generalized linear models derived from historical bounty data collected in early 20th century Montana. Cougar bounty payments (n = 1457) declined at a rate of 7 percent/year from 1902 to 1920. Wolf bounty payments (n = 33,121) declined at a rate of 15 percent/year from 1902 to 1910 and 33 percent/year from 1911 to 1920. Spatially, cougar populations declined in equal proportions across Montana with remnant populations located in areas of rugged, mountainous terrain in the northwest. Cougars may have avoided extirpation in Montana because remnant populations continue to survive in these rugged, mountainous areas far from areas of high human population density and agricultural expansion. In contrast, wolves initially declined directionally toward the eastern prairie. However, in the decade before their extirpation, wolf populations collapsed m equal proportions across Montana. Increased economic incentives between 1911 and 1920, and higher real and perceived conflict with humans and livestock may have increased hunter effort to kill the last remaining wolves.