Wolf recovery will occur from wolves reproducing in the wild. We are, however, interested in protecting and managing wolves in the state. Wolves do not require wilderness. They do require a healthy prey base, enough suitable forest land to roam, and most importantly, a measure of tolerance by people who will allow them to survive. Timber cutting, wildlife habitat management, and other practices that promote a diverse and productive forest are good management practices for the wolf.
Wolves prey primarily on large, hoofed mammals.
In Minnesota, the white-tailed deer is the wolf's primary prey, with moose, beaver and snowshoe hare also being taken. Elsewhere, wolves prey on caribou, musk oxen, bison, Dall sheep, elk, mountain goats, etc. It would be about 18 deer per wolf per year if wolves only ate deer. However, since they also eat moose and beaver, on the average the actual number of deer killed is about 15 adult-size deer per wolf per year. Although wolves will take some deer, they will not have a significant impact, compared to other known losses.