Predator control is a wildlife management policy specifically aimed at reducing populations of predatory species either to protect livestock or boost populations of game animals. Coyotes, bobcats, grey and red wolves, bears, and mountain lions have been the most frequent targets. Historically, efforts were centered in government-run programs to hunt, trap, or poison predators, while bounties offered for particular predatory species encouraged private citizens to do the same. Over time, however, it has become apparent that predator control is disruptive of ecosystems and often inefficient.

Predator control is based on a lack of understanding of the complex interactive mechanisms by which natural environments sustain themselves. Control efforts take the position that prey populations benefit when predators are removed. In the long term, however, removing predators is generally bad for the prey species and their ecosystems. The conservationist Aldo Leopold, noticing the devastating effects of overgrazing by...