Canine parvovirus, a lethal canine disease, is one of several diseases that are a suspected cause of death among Wisconsin wolves. Recently mange has caused the loss of several wolves, but appears to be declining. Fines and a possible prison sentence await anyone convicted of killing a wolf. About 99-105 wolves exist in Wisconsin in 1996 and the population is increasing. Wolves were portrayed as vile, demented, immoral beasts.
Wolves are controversial because they are large predators.
Farmers are concerned about wolves preying on their livestock. In northern Wisconsin, about one or two verified cases of wolf depredation occur per year. As the population continues to increase, slight increases in depredation are likely to occur. In Minnesota, with over 2,000 wolves, there are usually less than 50 cases per year. A few hunters continue to kill wolves, believing that such actions will help the deer herd.