Wolves are stealing cougar kills in Yellowstone, study finds

A new study in Yellowstone Park looked at how wolves and cougars live together. Researchers learned that wolves often *take over* food that cougars have already killed. To avoid these dangerous meetings, cougars now hunt smaller animals, like deer. This helps them stay away from wolves. Scientists found that cougars avoid areas where wolves have recently killed animals. They also stay near trees where they can quickly climb to safety. As there are fewer elk, cougars eat more deer. Because deer are smaller, cougars finish eating faster. This reduces the *chance* that wolves will appear. The study shows that having different types of prey and safe places to hide are important for these animals to live peacefully. These *findings* can help with *recovery* efforts for these animals. Previously, wolves and cougars almost disappeared, but they are slowly coming back.