Researchers at Penn State University, USGS, and National Park Service are studying the predator cleansing effect on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), which occurs when a predator sustains the health of a prey population by killing the sickest animals.

“If the idea holds, it could mean that wolves have a role to play in limiting the spread of chronic wasting disease.”

This research was featured in an article by The New York Times: Using Wolves as First Responders Against a Deadly Brain Disease

Read more about the current USGS research projects on CWD