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Freakonomics Radio

497. Can the Big Bad Wolf Save Your Life?

Mar 24, 2022
46:40

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Quick takeaways

  • Wolves reduce deer populations, leading to fewer vehicle collisions and economic savings.
  • Deer overabundance causes high collision rates, impacting human safety and property damage.

Deep dives

The Impact of Wolves on Deer Population and Vehicle Collisions

The presence of wolves has led to a reduction in deer populations in areas like Yellowstone, creating a 'landscape of fear' that alters prey behavior. In Wisconsin, where wolves have reduced deer numbers, there has been a 25% decrease in deer vehicle collisions, valued at $11 million per year. Despite wolves eating some deer, their impact on lowering collisions outweighs costs incurred by farmers and hunters.

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