"Studies" are mostly for government agencies to get more of our tax money and to justify their jobs. One of a number of things about this is that they never take any action, at least here in Minnesota, especially with the wolves.
I know that a certain number of predators is a part of a healthy wildlife population. But so many people in cities and places without wolves have this romantic, inaccurate view of wolves and other predators. They think they're these cute, big doggies that are so lovable. When in fact, they are very efficient at killing just about whatever they decide to.
I've heard what a pack of wolves sounds like when their moving in on deer in the day and at night. It will send a shiver up your spine, believe me! And in years with deep snow in the North, the wolves just slaughter the deer, eat the prime cuts and go on to the next kill. From about 1997 until about 2001, I only saw 4 deer near my parents place near the Superior Natl. Forest. Two of those deer were heading across a frozen lake we were ice fishing on at the time. Within 5 minutes of each deer running flat out about 3/4 mile from us, we saw an adult timber wolf following the trail right behind each deer.
This past winter there were wolf tracks coming right through my dad’s yard. He lives on 80 acres 30 mi. from Two Harbors. He had one lone wolf standing within 50 yds of his door one day when he came home. It didn’t run, even when he got of his car. They no longer fear people. This is a serious safety concern for us.
It's like so many other things. In moderate numbers, wolves can be a part of the balance of wildlife. In large numbers, they will devastate deer, moose and other wildlife seriously. I'm almost afraid to take my lab dogs on a walk through the woods with me when I go un North for a visit. I know many people here who've had dogs, cats and livestock grabbed and killed, even while they were with the animals.
Good to hear some like you have the right ideas on the subject. Thanks!