Anatomy of a ‘Problem Wolf’: A Multidisciplinary Study from Białowieża, Poland

As wolves recolonize human-dominated landscapes across Europe, managing risks amidst increasing reports of close encounters becomes essential. We present a retrospective, multidisciplinary analysis of a case from Poland involving the removal of a wolf for bold behavior toward humans. Our findings suggest that the wolf’s unusual actions were influenced by prior captivity exposure, as evidenced by a dietary shift from domestic to wild meats and genetic connections to a region known for captive rearing. Camera-trap data showed that during the wolf’s presence, local pack activity peaked, with a notable rise in single-wolf detections, contrasting with patterns during a control season without the case wolf. Although the threat to human safety was minimal, a public survey highlighted concerns about wolf-dog interactions. We advise evaluating bold wolves on a case-by-case basis, incorporating ecological and social evidence into investigations, and emphasizing human responsibility in preventing undesirable wolf behaviors.